Results 6,381-6,400 of 6,467 for speaker:James Lawless

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Education and Training Provision (2 Jul 2025)

James Lawless: I am pleased to inform the Deputy that refurbishment works at the Sligo NZEB Training Centre for Mayo Sligo Leitrim ETB are expected to be completed by the end of Q3 / 2025.

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Departmental Funding (2 Jul 2025)

James Lawless: The fourth National Access Plan, was published in August 2022. One of the two overarching ambitions of this Plan is ‘that our higher education institutions are inclusive, universally designed environments which support student success and outcomes, equity and diversity’. PATH 4 Phase 1 Universal Design and Inclusive Environment Funds: In 2022, €3 million was...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Further and Higher Education (2 Jul 2025)

James Lawless: As requested by the Deputy the list of eleven institutions where students with disabilities can enrol in Path 4 Phase 2 courses under the National Access Plan are as follows:Technological University Dublin (TUD).Trinity College Dublin (TCD).Mary Immaculate College (MIC).University of Galway (UoG).Atlantic Technological University (ATU).Institute of Art, Design and Technology (IADT).Munster...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Further and Higher Education (2 Jul 2025)

James Lawless: The higher education sector operates under the terms of an Employment Control Framework (ECF) which is in place since 2011. The ECF places a ceiling on core-funded posts, which is reviewed by my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, on an annual basis as part of the budgetary process. The following table sets out...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Departmental Meetings (2 Jul 2025)

James Lawless: In 2023, the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science engaged in six regional dialogue meetings concerning the Unified Tertiary Policy. Those meetings wereJune 15th in CavanJune 23rd in GalwayJune 26th in CorkJune 28th in WaterfordJune 29th in DublinNovember 6th in Athlone

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Departmental Consultations (2 Jul 2025)

James Lawless: All outstanding provisions of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) (Amendment) Act 2019 were commenced on 1 September 2024. This Act provides the legislative underpinning for a range of new statutory functions under the remit of Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) including a new Protection of Enrolled Learners (PEL) scheme underpinned by the establishment of...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (3 Jul 2025)

James Lawless: I thank the Deputy for giving me the opportunity to address this important matter. He is correct that some of this dates back to commitments that were given last year. I am working through the issues. There was an issue with backlogs that arose over the last two years which are now working their way through the system. Apprentices who should have been out through the system and qualified...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Apprenticeship Programmes (3 Jul 2025)

James Lawless: The current Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021–2025 is under review, and preparations are underway to engage stakeholders in shaping the next plan, which will cover the years 2026–2030. A key focus of this upcoming plan will be the development of an Integrated Apprenticeship System, which will include considerations of matters you have raised. It is important to note that...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Third Level Costs (3 Jul 2025)

James Lawless: The programmes in question are supported under the Programme for Access to Higher Education (PATH) Strand 4 Phase 2 pilot initiative.   Phase 2 is a three-year pathfinding pilot with the dual objectives of supporting an enhancement of course provision for students with intellectual disabilities and informing future policy considerations for students with intellectual...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (8 Jul 2025)

James Lawless: No.

Student Fees: Motion [Private Members] (8 Jul 2025)

James Lawless: I move amendment No. 1: To delete all words after "Dáil Éireann" and substitute the following: "recognises that: — the Government is committed to easing the burden for students and their families; — the Government will progress its Programme for Government commitments to improve supports for students by increasing maintenance grants, reducing the student...

Student Fees: Motion [Private Members] (8 Jul 2025)

James Lawless: It fails to see its real role in our society and our economy. At its heart, my Department is a services Ministry, but it is also much more. It is an economic Ministry and an enabler of everything we want to do. The challenges we are facing, including global trade uncertainty, digital disruption, AI, the green transition and climate change, all demand we lead with the talent, science and...

Student Fees: Motion [Private Members] (8 Jul 2025)

James Lawless: We can laugh all we like but let us think about how this came about.

Student Fees: Motion [Private Members] (8 Jul 2025)

James Lawless: We have a duty to be upfront and honest with citizens and to deal in good faith.

Student Fees: Motion [Private Members] (8 Jul 2025)

James Lawless: We do not gain anything from avoiding those questions. Whether in a radio interview or anywhere else, I have always been straight with people. This is not a policy decision. Deputy O'Reilly can wave her fingers all she likes.

Student Fees: Motion [Private Members] (8 Jul 2025)

James Lawless: Ceann Comhairle, I am trying to speak. I did not interrupt you, Deputy O'Reilly. This is not a policy decision or a move to reallocate moneys. It is not a decision of any kind. It is not a decision at all.

Student Fees: Motion [Private Members] (8 Jul 2025)

James Lawless: This is a straight and sincere statement of budgetary challenges as we approach this year's budget. That is what it is, pure and simple.

Student Fees: Motion [Private Members] (8 Jul 2025)

James Lawless: The once-off measures, which were welcome-----

Student Fees: Motion [Private Members] (8 Jul 2025)

James Lawless: The once-off measures were welcome and were needed at the time but they were temporary in nature. I want to move the system onto permanent measures that are sustainable, costed, fair, equitable and baked into the system for evermore. That will be of far greater benefit to families, students and everybody in the system in the long run. Along with my colleagues across both parties and the...

Student Fees: Motion [Private Members] (8 Jul 2025)

James Lawless: I want to get away from the negativity and move towards the goal of a higher education system that achieves both excellence and access. Budget 2026 will move us a step forward towards that and build on the progress to date. Rather than scaremongering and whipping up anxiety, we should be clear with people about the supports that already exist. Households with incomes up to €115,000...