Results 4,161-4,180 of 45,291 for speaker:Simon Harris

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: International Protection (16 May 2023)

Simon Harris: My Department is committed to reducing processing times for international protection applicants and is taking steps to ensure that applications are dealt with as quickly as possible. The approach to prioritisation of cases, as provided for under Section 73 of the International Protection Act 2015, is agreed with UNHCR Ireland and is published on the International Protection Office website....

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: International Protection (16 May 2023)

Simon Harris: It has not been possible to collate the information requested in the time allowed. I will write to the Deputy directly when the information is to hand.

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: International Protection (16 May 2023)

Simon Harris: Since its introduction in June 2018, under the European Communities (Reception Conditions) Regulations 2018 (S.I. No. 230 of 2018), the labour market access permission issued by my Department has had a very positive impact for international protection applicants and employers alike. Over 13,000 first labour market access permissions have been granted to date. This permission gives...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: International Protection (16 May 2023)

Simon Harris: The State has a duty to protect its borders and following examination, ensure that all arriving passengers are entitled to enter the State. The exercise of powers in this area is at all times subject to the law and to respect for individual rights. Under Section 4 of the Immigration Act 2004, an immigration officer must determine whether a non-EEA national should be granted leave to land and...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Education and Training Boards (16 May 2023)

Simon Harris: The information requested by the Deputy in relation to the case of a person (details supplied by email) is presently being reviewed by Solas. An answer will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Medical Research and Training (16 May 2023)

Simon Harris: I have had contact from one student wishing to transfer to a medical degree here. This is a matter for individual institutions to determine. However, my Department will continue to support institutions responding to these difficult circumstances.

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Technological Universities (16 May 2023)

Simon Harris: In November 2022 the Government confirmed approval for a new policy led by my Department, to provide state assistance to stimulate the development of new and additional student accommodation for public higher education institutions. This landmark policy response will, for the first time, see the state providing financial support in the construction of student accommodation, and underpins the...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Departmental Reviews (16 May 2023)

Simon Harris: The OECD review of academic career structures, academic contracts and senior management and leadership structures in Irish technological universities (TUs) was published on 16 December 2022 following the Cabinet's noting of the insights provided by the OECD in setting out the strengths and differences evident between Irish TUs and comparator institutions internationally by Cabinet. A copy of...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Apprenticeship Programmes (16 May 2023)

Simon Harris: The ‘Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025’ sets out new ways of structuring, funding, and promoting apprenticeships to make apprenticeship accessible to employers and learners. The Plan seeks to deliver on a target of 10,000 apprenticeship registrations per annum, across a wide range of programmes, by 2025. This ambitious plan includes a commitment to consolidate the...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Technological Universities (16 May 2023)

Simon Harris: The Togetherall programme is jointly funded by the HEA and the HSE Mental Health Operations. This programme forms part of a broader HEA funded national project through PCHEI known as ‘Identify and Respond’ which includes the development of university staff training to identify and respond to at risk students. The pilot Togetherall Programme provides a clinically moderated, 24/7...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Technological Universities (16 May 2023)

Simon Harris: On the 27thMarch, I gave approval for the South East Technological University (SETU) to expand its presence in Waterford by agreeing to accept the vendor’s final reduced asking price for the 20.3 acre portion of the 37 acre Waterford Crystal site. Having informed the Vendor of its acceptance of his final reduced asking price, SETU are now engaged in the site due diligence process....

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Further and Higher Education (16 May 2023)

Simon Harris: The proposed engineering, computing and general teaching building for the South East Technological University (SETU) Waterford, forms part of the Higher Education PPP Programme Bundle 2 project. The Bundle 2 procurement process is currently at tender stage. The competitive dialogue remains ongoing. Subject to the successful conclusion of the tender process, construction is due to commence in...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Apprenticeship Programmes (16 May 2023)

Simon Harris: I am pleased to inform the Deputy that SOLAS have confirmed that a reply was issued on 21 March 2023. In line with GDPR provisions, the response was issued directly to Mr Jordan.

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Further and Higher Education (16 May 2023)

Simon Harris: Third level institutions are academically independent and are entitled to regulate their own academic affairs and administrative processes, including the mode of delivery of programmes of study. HEIs have taken significant steps to ensure that teaching and learning is enhanced by the integrated use of digital technologies, both on-campus and remotely. Many HEIs are and will be developing...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Student Accommodation (16 May 2023)

Simon Harris: All higher education institutions, continue to support their students to find accommodation in the private rental sector through, for example, the encouragement of room rental or ‘student digs’ in family homes. A homeowner can rent a room, retain their social welfare entitlements where applicable, and earn up to €14,000 in rental income before having to pay tax. This...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Abortion Services (16 May 2023)

Simon Harris: The information requested is not held by the Department. Certain institutions provide GP services on campus as part of Student Services. Should a student wish to know more about services offered they should contact the service in question.

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Third Level Education (16 May 2023)

Simon Harris: The information requested by the Deputy is not available. The key source of statistics on students in higher education is the HEA's student records system (SRS) which records enrolments as at March of every academic year, giving a single point of reference. Therefore data is not available on a national level on students who leave their programme during the course of the academic year. ...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Third Level Education (16 May 2023)

Simon Harris: Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are autonomous and academically independent and each Higher Education Institution is responsible for its own Irish language strategy. Information would need to be sought from the HEIs directly. However, my Department is committed to the implementation of the Official Languages Act and provision of Irish-language services to its customers, and the...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Legislative Measures (16 May 2023)

Simon Harris: I am committed to ensuring that the important views of the research community are captured and reflected on as the implementation of the new agency proceeds. A programme of stakeholder consultation has been taking place since the development of Impact 2030 Ireland's Research and Innovation Strategy and was integral to the development of that strategy. A High Level Group on the Research...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Research and Development (16 May 2023)

Simon Harris: The main support available to assist postgraduate students with the cost of attending higher education is the Student Grant Scheme. Under the Scheme, grant assistance is awarded to eligible students attending an approved full-time course in an approved institution who meet the prescribed conditions of funding, including those relating to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment...