Results 481-500 of 6,386 for speaker:James Lawless

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Departmental Bodies (13 May 2025)

James Lawless: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1250 to 1258, inclusive, together. My Department is not responsible for the direct management, governance or oversight of any non-governmental organisation (NGO).

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Scientific Research (13 May 2025)

James Lawless: As set out in the Deputy's question, the replicability of research findings has emerged as a concern in a number of fields in recent years, including life sciences. Clearly the reliability and robustness of research findings is central to scientific progress. The promotion of a culture of open research and research integrity can help support the achievement of these crucial objectives. ...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Scientific Research (13 May 2025)

James Lawless: Research integrity relates to the performance of research to the highest standards of professionalism and rigour, and to the accuracy and integrity of the research record in publications and elsewhere. It is essential that the Irish research system as a whole protects its reputation for the quality and integrity of its research activity and outputs. Research integrity is best ensured, in so...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Legislative Measures (13 May 2025)

James Lawless: The Universities Act 1997, Technological Universities Act 2018, and the Institutes of Technology Act 2006 are among the principal legislative instruments governing higher education institutions (HEIs) in Ireland. These Acts grant HEIs autonomy over their academic and administrative functions, including admissions policies. Most applications to higher education are processed through the...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Grant Payments (13 May 2025)

James Lawless: For student grants purposes, students are categorised according to their circumstances either as students dependent on parents or a legal guardian, or as independent mature students. A student may be assessed as an independent mature student if he or she has attained the age of 23 on the 1st of January of the year of first entry to an approved course or of re-entry following a break in...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Grant Payments (13 May 2025)

James Lawless: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1263 and 1265 together. The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter, in the first instance, for the awarding authority, SUSI to determine. Postgraduate students who meet all the conditions of the Student Grant Scheme may become eligible for the following supports: A student Maintenance grant which was restored in September 2024 for...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Grant Payments (13 May 2025)

James Lawless: The decision on eligibility for student grant applications is a matter for the centralised grant awarding authority, SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland) to determine. In general, for student grant purposes, students are categorised according to their circumstances either as students dependent on parents or a legal guardian, or as independent mature students. A student may be...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Irish Language (13 May 2025)

James Lawless: Our higher education system plays an important role in supporting and promoting the use of the Irish language. To this end, the Higher Education Authority (HEA) has a statutory responsibility to ensure that higher education institutions (HEIs) promote and use the language. However it should be noted that HEIs are autonomous bodies within the meaning of the Universities Act 1997, the...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Third Level Staff (13 May 2025)

James Lawless: My Department has been working with Taighde Éireann - Research Ireland to establish a programme to bring global research talent to Ireland. At a time when uncertainty looms for many researchers around the world, Ireland offers stability, opportunity, excellence and a gateway to the EU. I am pleased to report that I have obtained Government approval to initiate such a programme. The...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Education and Training Provision (13 May 2025)

James Lawless: As the Deputy is aware, Further Education and Training (FET) includes a wide range of courses and programmes, from Level 1 to Level 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications. This encompasses everything from part-time, basic literacy courses to full-time, resource intensive programmes such as apprenticeships. SOLAS has advised my officials that the level of engagement, as well as the...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Education and Training Provision (13 May 2025)

James Lawless: The Further Education and Training (FET) sector, under the remit of SOLAS as the statutory agency, plays a pivotal role in delivering high-quality, accessible education and training opportunities nationwide. FET provision is designed to be flexible and responsive, particularly for those balancing education with work or caring responsibilities. A wide range of part-time and modular programmes...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Education and Training Provision (13 May 2025)

James Lawless: My Department allocates funding to SOLAS from the Exchequer and the National Training Fund (NTF) to deliver Further Education and Training programmes and services by the 16 Education and Training Boards and other agencies throughout the country. The table below sets out the allocation to SOLAS in 2023, 2024 and 2025 as requested. The annual allocation to aegis bodies is included in the...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Education and Training Provision (13 May 2025)

James Lawless: In Further Education and Training (FET), courses are free or heavily subsidised. My Department also provides direct financial supports to eligible learners. Adult learners in receipt of a social welfare payment transfer to a FET training allowance when participating on FET courses. The rate of the FET training allowance will depend on an individual’s social welfare payment. A...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Apprenticeship Programmes (8 May 2025)

James Lawless: There are 25 Craft Apprenticeship programmes offered across four families – Construction, Electrical, Engineering and Motor. A craft apprenticeship lasts for a minimum of four years, during which time apprentices spend three different periods in off-the-job training. The first off-the-job training phase, which is Phase 2 of 7 training phases in a Craft Apprenticeship, takes place...

Seanad: Higher Education: Motion (7 May 2025)

James Lawless: The Senator's last lines are good advice for anybody.

Seanad: Higher Education: Motion (7 May 2025)

James Lawless: I was just taking stock and this has been a good debate. I thank the Senators who brought forward the motion, and all who contributed. I am delighted to see the topic is getting air time in this House and the other House, because it is of such fundamental importance to our economy, our society and everything we do and have done as a nation. I am delighted this opportunity for all to have...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Further and Higher Education (7 May 2025)

James Lawless: My officials are examining this matter and will revert to the Deputy as soon as an update is available.

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Grant Payments (7 May 2025)

James Lawless: An official from my Department contacted the Deputy’s office seeking information regarding the student to enable a more individualised answer. However, the official was advised that the student's parent did not want to provide any further information. In general, for student grant purposes, students are categorised according to their circumstances either as students dependent on...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Further and Higher Education (7 May 2025)

James Lawless: The requirements on which information is being sought is a matter for the Department of Justice. However, my officials have been in contact with that department and I am advised that that Department will respond to you directly if you contact them.

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Ministerial Responsibilities (7 May 2025)

James Lawless: My Department has not yet made any Delegation Orders for the Minister of State. All delegation Orders are publicly available on www.irishstatutebook.ie.