Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

First, in response to one of my September parliamentary questions, the Minister stated that all higher education institutions, HEIs, were to publish action plans on tackling sexual violence and harassment by February. I am wondering if all HEIs have complied and if not what steps the Minister is taking to ensure compliance. I would also like to note the Minister’s work in this area and the progress being made on the framework for consent in HEIs.

Second, I wish to state that the review of SUSI is most welcome. However, in the meantime, there are a number of issues that need to be addressed. Students of private teacher training colleges are mostly not eligible for SUSI. The State is applying a double standard, as we are happy for them to be trained as teachers through these colleges but are unwilling to support them in their studies. Also, graduate-entry medicine students cannot access this support. These courses are only for graduates, but they are not classified as postgraduate courses meaning that these students cannot avail of either undergraduate or postgraduate supports. This situation needs to be rectified before the new academic year.

Third, and perhaps this is an issue for the Minister of State, the ability of students to progress in their apprenticeships is being affected by the pandemic. Not only are there expected delays in on-the-job elements, but some students are waiting for results of off-the-job phases, meaning that they cannot progress. It is confusing that this is the result of the pandemic, because it does not make sense. I ask the Minister responsible to look into these delays immediately and assure students that they will be supported through their apprenticeships if they take longer than expected.

I know the Minister is aware that for any number of reasons, including poor broadband in rural areas, some students do not have suitable study environments at home. I ask that he works with colleges and universities to facilitate these students being given priority in accessing campus facilities. I look forward to continuing my work with the Minister on remote learning in places such as the Ludgate Hub.

Before Christmas at the Oireachtas Committee on Education, Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, the Irish Universities Association, IUA, highlighted that the employment control framework, which has capped the number of permanent staff in the sector, is unsustainable. At a time when student numbers are growing, we need more teaching staff. For years now, staff have been overstretched and more work is poured on early-career lecturers in precarious employment. The IUA is seeking a development structure whereby universities can manage their own workforce within a defined budget. What is the Minister's response to this?

Finally, I would like to bring to the Minister's attention that I and most Opposition Deputies have co-signed Deputy Conway-Walsh's Residential Tenancies (Student Rents and Other Protections) (Covid-19) Bill 2021, which will provide greater protections for student renters and their families. The pandemic has highlighted many of the issues with this form of renting. I hope the Minister, in conjunction with his colleague, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, will actively support the progression of that Bill.

See this speech in context