Results 1-20 of 5,902 for speaker:James Lawless

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Departmental Bodies (15 May 2025)

James Lawless: The Research and Innovation Act, 2024 enacted following approval by both Houses of the Oireachtas provided for the establishment and functions of a statutory body to be known as Research Ireland, the dissolution of Science Foundation Ireland (SFI), as well as the transfer of the activities as respects research and innovation carried out by the Irish Research Council (IRC) in the Higher...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Third Level Costs (15 May 2025)

James Lawless: I am conscious of the fiscal challenges facing students and the need for the progressive implementation of measures to address costs as a barrier to education. I am committed to easing this burden for students and their families in a financially sustainable way. Specifically, in relation to the matters raised, it is important to note that all students eligible for the Free Fees Initiative...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Further and Higher Education (14 May 2025)

James Lawless: Further Education and Training (FET) offers a variety of courses to meet personal and professional needs. These are available nationwide on a full-time or part-time basis and on weekdays, evenings, and weekends. For personalised guidance, I would recommend that the person in question contacts the Adult Education Guidance Service in Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board. My...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Education and Training Provision (14 May 2025)

James Lawless: As the Deputy is aware, the Prison Education Taskforce was established in May 2023, and it is co-chaired by my Department and the Department of Justice. With representatives from both Departments, the Irish Prison Service, SOLAS, the National Apprenticeship Office, Education and Training Boards Ireland, the Probation Service, Maynooth University and former prisoners, the Taskforce aims to...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Artificial Intelligence (14 May 2025)

James Lawless: I wish to note the launch last week of the Government’s new Guidelines for the Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Public Service by Minister Jack Chambers. The new guidelines support the public service to implement guardrails to ensure that the rights of the individual are safeguarded and will aim to positively impact any AI practices. Key areas of focus by the HEA...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Third Level Education (14 May 2025)

James Lawless: As an autonomous body with academic and administrative freedom, Maynooth University is responsible for its own policy and programme development, including in relation to the programme the Deputy refers to. I am aware that the Turn to Teaching programme has been on a pilot basis and is part of the PATH 1 initiatives of the National Access Plan and I will be making an announcement regarding...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Departmental Contracts (14 May 2025)

James Lawless: The purchase of IT equipment for my Department is managed by the Department of Education in the first instance under a Memorandum of Understanding.

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Third Level Education (14 May 2025)

James Lawless: The Deputy should note that Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are autonomous and consequently, the management of their day to day functions, including decisions on courses and academic disciplines, are matters for the individual institution in the context of their governance structures and policies. My Department does not have a role in the monitoring of additional new courses or academic...

Power of Higher Education, Research and Skills as Economic Enablers in a Changing World: Statements (13 May 2025)

James Lawless: I will make an opening statement and then the Chair of the Oireachtas committee, Deputy Erin McGreehan, will speak and the Minister of State, Deputy Marian Harkin, will close the debate at the end. I welcome that we have taken some time in the House today to address one of the most important issues that confronts a Government at any time, but particularly in changing and challenging times...

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.

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

James Lawless: There is a comprehensive and ambitious set of commitments for research and innovation in the new Programme for Government. This work will be progressed via a number of national policies and strategies, under the national research and innovation strategy Impact 2030. The formation of Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland in August 2024 is designed to build a more effective and...

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

James Lawless: My Department is not aware of any application relating to the refurbishment of a disused protected structure for use as a Community Adult Education Centre for St. Mary’s Community in Limerick City. Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board has advised my Department that St. Mary’s Adult Education Centre operates as an outreach community education centre. It applies...

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

James Lawless: I can confirm that any income received from a maintenance arrangement is regarded as reckonable income under the Student Grant Scheme 2025. However, where maintenance payments have been made under a legally enforceable arrangement to a separated spouse those payments are disregarded for the purposes of calculating the reckonable income of an Applicant. Further information on reckonable income...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Cycling Facilities (7 May 2025)

James Lawless: As the Deputy will be aware the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS) was established in July 2020. Cycle to work scheme applications are processed by the Department of Education on behalf of my Department as part of Memorandum of Understanding between both Departments. The number applications processed on behalf of DFHERIS are as follows. ...