Results 261-280 of 11,776 for speaker:Niall Collins

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Education and Training Boards (26 Jun 2024)

Niall Collins: My officials have made enquires with SOLAS and Kilkenny and Carlow Education and Training Board (KCETB). Whilst they are not aware of the issue raised, my officials will provide the contact details for the Community Training Officer in KCETB to the Deputy directly who can assist the National Learning Network in question.  SOLAS advised my officials that Education and Training Boards...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Adult Education Provision (25 Jun 2024)

Niall Collins: I do not have that information to hand at the moment but will get the data for the Deputy as requested.

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Adult Education Provision (25 Jun 2024)

Niall Collins: A proposal was issued to staff representatives last year to establish a new grade of adult educator, with a standardised pay scale aligned with the Youthreach resource person scale. A number of issues arose in subsequent negotiations with staff representatives on the implementation of the proposal. These issues have since been resolved and agreement reached on a revised offer to tutors...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Adult Education Provision (25 Jun 2024)

Niall Collins: I thank the Deputy and will make a couple of other observations. The cost of this deal have been estimated at €2.6 million assuming all tutors assimilate. However, the actual cost will be dependent on the numbers of tutors who opt to assimilate into the new grade. We have asked the ETBs to maintain records to facilitate the identification of the costs. The Deputy asked about the...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Apprenticeship Programmes (25 Jun 2024)

Niall Collins: In relation to the craft apprenticeship at ATU, I reiterate that phases 4 and 6 capacity for electrical apprenticeships has grown from 144 in the 2022-23 academic year to 384 this year. As I outlined, we are increasing capacity to deliver across electrical, refrigeration and metal fabrication at both Letterkenny and Killybegs. Since the start of this session, we have been discussing...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Apprenticeship Programmes (25 Jun 2024)

Niall Collins: The number of apprentices in Ireland has grown significantly, from 17,800 in 2019 to over 27,000 today. However, our priority, consistent with the Deputy's question, is to make apprenticeships attractive for even more young people, given our skills and workforce needs under priority Government strategies. The Department's Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025 aims to promote...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Apprenticeship Programmes (25 Jun 2024)

Niall Collins: As I said in earlier exchanges with other Deputies, the Department is aware of the challenges and backlogs. We have put significant resources into dealing with the backlog, which is falling significantly. We will continue to work on that. I appreciate the Deputy's point regarding apprentices having to travel distances to training centres. We are working on this issue too and allocating...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Apprenticeship Programmes (25 Jun 2024)

Niall Collins: The Deputy's suggestion has merit and we will highlight it in the Department. As I said, the Deputy should bear in mind we have increased the capacity of the State to deliver off-the-job training. That came at a cost and there are challenges in relation to that in terms of recruiting adequate numbers of suitably qualified tutors and trainers. They were asked to take on an additional...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Apprenticeship Programmes (25 Jun 2024)

Niall Collins: Providing training opportunities for prospective learners and career changers in County Donegal is key to ensuring the north-west regional economy has access to the talent and skills it needs to fully realise its economic and societal potential. Donegal Education and Training Board has apprentice training facilities in Gaoth Dobhair and Letterkenny. Training is provided in key skills areas...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Apprenticeship Programmes (25 Jun 2024)

Niall Collins: The Department continues to oversee the implementation of a plan put in place by the national apprenticeship office to significantly increase apprenticeship capacity and respond to the rise in craft apprenticeship registrations that are a result of the buoyant construction sector. The number of craft apprentices waiting for six months or longer for phase 2 of their job training has decreased...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Apprenticeship Programmes (25 Jun 2024)

Niall Collins: As it is a priority question, the Deputy will have the opportunity to contribute again. The matter is topical. The Deputy mentioned that it is leaving certificate examination time and that people are looking at their various options. People will look at the time apprenticeships take to complete. Two programmes are unfortunately taking longer than 48 months. The duration of craft...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Apprenticeship Programmes (25 Jun 2024)

Niall Collins: I will request updated information on the numbers. The Deputy has researched some of her own numbers. Suffice it to say that an integral part of our action plan for apprenticeships is that they be rolled out across the Civil Service and public service. That includes local authorities. The Department wants to see that action executed by our local authorities, by the Civil Service and by...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Further and Higher Education (25 Jun 2024)

Niall Collins: SOLAS is currently undertaking an independent evaluation of the ‘Specialist Training Provision for People with Disabilities’ programme. Under this programme, the 16 Education and Training Boards (ETBs) contract Specialist Training Providers (STPs) to offer vocational training programmes, in specific settings, for persons with disabilities. The basis for this provision is that...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Third Level Education (25 Jun 2024)

Niall Collins: As the Deputy is aware, my officials are finishing the terms of reference for the review of Personal Assistance services across tertiary education. Prior to this finalisation, my officials are meeting with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth regarding a similar review being carried out in relation to HSE-funded personal assistance services.

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Schools Building Projects (25 Jun 2024)

Niall Collins: 172. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if a decision on an application by a school (details supplied) will be expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26820/24]

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Heritage Schemes (25 Jun 2024)

Niall Collins: 232. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if additional funding can be given for a thatching grant for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26812/24]

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: School Accommodation (20 Jun 2024)

Niall Collins: 126. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if additional funding can be allocated to a project (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26637/24]

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Electoral Process (19 Jun 2024)

Niall Collins: 64. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government to calculate the amount payable to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26436/24]

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Youth Services (19 Jun 2024)

Niall Collins: The Youthreach Programme aims to provide early school leavers with the knowledge, skills and confidence required to participate fully in society and progress to further education, training and employment. In Dublin, the Youthreach programme is administered by two Education and Training Boards (ETBs): Dublin Dun Laoghaire and City of Dublin. There are currently 19 Youthreach Centres and 13...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment: Agriculture Supports (18 Jun 2024)

Niall Collins: 90. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if grant aid funding is available for anaerobic digesters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26176/24]