Results 3,101-3,120 of 45,291 for speaker:Simon Harris

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Third Level Fees (14 Nov 2023)

Simon Harris: Awaiting reply from Department.

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Further and Higher Education (14 Nov 2023)

Simon Harris: Ensuring a supply of qualified vets to meet the demands of Ireland's agri-food sector is an important issue for my Department. As you are aware, a number of institutions put forward proposals following the recent HEA Expression of Interest process outlining options for the expansion of existing veterinary medicine provision. There is a substantial capital cost associated with the provision...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Departmental Funding (14 Nov 2023)

Simon Harris: Awaiting reply from Department.

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Third Level Education (9 Nov 2023)

Simon Harris: I thank Senator Cummins for his tireless work in delivering a university for the south east and, subsequently, keeping the pressure on night and day to ensure we successfully acquired the Waterford Crystal site for the expansion of one of Ireland's newest and most innovative universities. I am delighted to be back here to discuss where we are at with the acquisition of the former Waterford...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Third Level Education (9 Nov 2023)

Simon Harris: I share the Senator's ambition on that. This is a high-priority project. It will involve me, at a point in time, needing to engage with my colleague in the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform. One way or another we need to bring finality to this and I think everybody shares that view. Can I just say that a couple of people, or maybe a few more...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Further and Higher Education (9 Nov 2023)

Simon Harris: My officials are engaging with SOLAS in relation to compiling the information sought regarding Therapy Assistant Grade provision in 2022 and 2023. This information will be forwarded to the Deputy upon completion.

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Apprenticeship Programmes (8 Nov 2023)

Simon Harris: I am delighted to be here to take this important matter raised by Senators Dolan and Murphy. I thank them for tabling it and for working together on what is a really important issue. The Government's ambition for apprenticeships and further education and training is well known and recognised. Only today we have seen figures that show an 8% increase in the number of apprentices in Ireland...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Apprenticeship Programmes (8 Nov 2023)

Simon Harris: I thank Senators Dolan and Murphy. SOLAS has met the ETB and is working closely with it. SOLAS will then send a recommendation to my Department. I am saying clearly here on the floor Seanad Éireann that I am positively disposed towards this, as is my Department. I take the point Senator Dolan makes about the just transition area. That further adds to the compelling case of this...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: EU Funding (8 Nov 2023)

Simon Harris: The European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers (EGF) assists Member States to provide active labour market supports to workers made redundant in major restructuring events. While consideration of an EGF application in respect of Cartamundi Ireland is ongoing, the full range of state supports have been made available to the workers who lost their jobs at the company. ...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Oideachas trí Ghaeilge (8 Nov 2023)

Simon Harris: Tá sé beartaithe agam PQanna 141 agus 142 a thógáil le chéile. Tá sé tábhachtach an ról éagsúil a imríonn an stát ag gach céim den chóras oideachais a aithint. Is comhlacht reachtúil de chuid na Roinne Oideachais agus Scileanna í an Chomhairle Náisiúnta Curaclaim agus Measúnachta (CNCM) a...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (7 Nov 2023)

Simon Harris: She did. She just said it.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (7 Nov 2023)

Simon Harris: You do.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (7 Nov 2023)

Simon Harris: The Deputy is misleading the House.

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Student Accommodation (7 Nov 2023)

Simon Harris: I am actively prioritising the supply and affordability of student accommodation, in recognition of the challenges our students are facing. Through “Housing for All”, the Government has approved development of policy and funding to increase the supply of student accommodation. I have to date secured Government approval in principle of up to €61m in funding to unlock...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Technological Universities (7 Nov 2023)

Simon Harris: The Sports Capital Equipment Programme (SCEP) which is administered by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media is the main channel of Government support for developing sports facilities and purchasing sports equipment for sports clubs and organisations across Ireland. Such projects include regional centres of excellence, Local Authority Projects and sports...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Third Level Education (7 Nov 2023)

Simon Harris: In considering matters raised it is important to note that the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science does not place a cap on the number of Social Work places and therefore the places offered are a matter for the higher education institutions (HEIs), in line with their autonomy. Currently, six higher education institutes have accredited programmes...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Technological Universities (7 Nov 2023)

Simon Harris: A number of institutions put forward proposals, following the recent HEA Expression of Interest process outlining options for the expansion of veterinary medicine provision. As the Deputy is aware, there is a substantial capital cost associated with the provision of any new schools in veterinary. Detailed discussions need to take place about the ways and means to address capital costs for the...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Further and Higher Education (7 Nov 2023)

Simon Harris: As the Deputy is aware, Budget 2024 contains a package of measures aimed at increasing the financial assistance available to students. These measures include a €1,000 reduction in the student contribution fee for higher education students eligible for the free fees initiative in academic year 2023/24. The reduction will apply in 2023 and the HEI attended will revise the fee...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Artificial Intelligence (7 Nov 2023)

Simon Harris: My Department and its officials do not presently use ChatGPT or any other form of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to generate official text and no such software is installed on my official's devices. In accordance with “AI – Here for Good”, the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy for Ireland, my Department's ICT service, which is provided by the Department of...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Third Level Education (7 Nov 2023)

Simon Harris: Higher Education Institutions are autonomous bodies within the meaning of the Universities Act 1997, the Institutes of Technology Acts 1992 to 2006, and the Technological Universities Act 2018. As such they are autonomous in relation to their administrative and academic affairs, including their admission procedures and policies. I would encourage the student to make contact with University...