Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for her points on the issue of social care workers and for her correspondence with me on this matter. I checked it out today because I thought she might raise it with me. Obviously, it is a matter for the professional regulator, CORU, but I appeal to all those working through Quality and Qualifications Ireland, QQI, to show flexibility. As we all know, there is a global pandemic ongoing. We need graduates coming through and this needs to be achieved in a way that protects professional standards but which shows a flexibility that recognises the reality of the pandemic. I am hopeful that can happen. We have seen progress with a lot of professions. The work for social care workers is truthfully going on, but I accept the urgency if it.

On SUSI grants, the adjacency rates will very much be looked at as part of the review.

On the social protection issue, we have actually ensured that the Department of Social Protection is represented on the steering group for that review to address some of the issues raised by the Deputy.

In respect of the Gaeltacht issue, as the Deputy has rightly alluded to, it is a matter for the Department of Education, but I will certainly engage with the Department on the matter.

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