Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I know the Minister, Deputy Harris, has left the Chamber but I want to thank him for visiting Carlow. When I invited him he said he would come down and in fairness to him, within about six weeks he was down to visit the two excellent third level colleges we have in Carlow. I thank him for all the work he has done for us in Carlow.

Higher and further education have been greatly affected by the Covid-19 crisis. It is so important that we support the sector through these challenges, to ensure that educational opportunities remain and are made more accessible to everyone, particularly to the most vulnerable in our society. We see now more than ever the importance of supporting our research community to tackle the social and scientific problems posed by Covid-19 now and into the future. I have been working closely with the Minister, Deputy Harris, on the Technological University for the South East and the integration of Carlow College therein but I will ask the Minister of State, Deputy Niall Collins, a few questions. Will all the students who are currently attending Institute of Technology Carlow receive a technological university accreditation? Are we still on track for 1 May for the Technological University for the South East? The Minister of State might come back to me on those questions.

I believe in inclusive education and that we must do all we can to ensure people feel safe at work and when studying. It is vital that we develop an action plan for equity of access and participation, especially for those who are economically or socially disadvantaged, those who have a disability or those who are from sections of society that are under-represented in the student body in higher education. There is also here an opportunity for Ireland to assume a leading role in ending sexual violence and harassment in higher learning. I welcome the commitment to foster a culture in higher education where it is clear that unwanted behaviours are not acceptable. I am aware that considerable supports have been allocated to a number of initiatives in this area. The 2019 framework for consent in higher education institutions: Safe, Respectful, Supportive and Positive - Ending Sexual Violence and Harassment in Irish Higher Education Institutions, is a welcome part of this. It is important that institutions embed this framework in their policies and procedures and that progress is adequately monitored.

It is most welcome to see this legislation include specific provisions on the establishment of a shared national apprenticeship office by SOLAS and the HEA to deliver a unified apprenticeship system. I raised the issue of apprenticeships and inadequate places with the Minister before and I spoke to him when he visited Carlow about counties Carlow and Kilkenny becoming the hub for apprenticeships in the south-east. We have two excellent colleges there and we should lead in those apprenticeship roles. I ask that Carlow and Kilkenny be considered for that. As we know, everyone learns in different ways and the plan to provide a roadmap to a single apprenticeship system and new supports for both employers and apprentices is great but right now we are in a serious place in apprenticeships because of the pandemic. I have been contacted by several constituents in Carlow who have been highlighting the delays apprentices are facing now. What should have been a four-year apprenticeship is looking like it will be a six or seven-year apprenticeship, which is concerning. This age group has suffered so much already and many of them worked right the way through the pandemic in essential services. Apprenticeship courses did not have the same remote learning possibilities as many other studies. Extra college places need to be made available for the apprentices to filter them through the system quicker. It is vital that we do this.

At a time of great economic uncertainty, when so many people fear for their future employment, we must ensure that higher education plays a vital role in our recovery. I emphasise that there is such excitement in the south east, particularly in Carlow and Kilkenny, that we will get a technological university. That will bring so much to Carlow and Kilkenny. Previous speakers mentioned student accommodation, which is so important. I know that is being addressed. Carlow County Council and others that have approached me have indicated that they will look at how we can make sure we have proper student accommodation for the students. It is important that we are prepared and ready. I understand that it will definitely be a technological university on 1 May but I ask that the Department communicate more and provide more information so that we are ready. We are all delighted with this but information and communication are key. I ask that the Department would come back to us on what is happening. I welcome this Bill; it is great for the south east that we have this.

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