Results 6,461-6,480 of 46,267 for speaker:Simon Harris

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

Simon Harris: The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science does not place a cap on the number of Social Work places. Currently, six higher education institutes (HEIs) have accredited programmes providing professional qualifications in social work. Two programmes are at the undergraduate level, with the majority of programmes at a post-graduate level. The Social Work...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Departmental Data (14 Feb 2023)

Simon Harris: The data requested by the Deputy was sourced from the student records system (SRS) of the HEA and includes both undergraduate and postgraduates programmes. The number of graduates in the requested disciplines in 2021 is contained in the table below. Disciplines number of graduates Occupational Therapy 120 Speech and Language...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Departmental Consultations (14 Feb 2023)

Simon Harris: The workshop referenced by the Deputy took place on the 8th November 2022. Representatives from the Department of Health, Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, the HSE, CORU and Higher Education Institutions attended. The workshop considered the key challenges faced by Higher Educations Institutions and the Health Sector in ensuring that they can...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Third Level Costs (14 Feb 2023)

Simon Harris: The loans available for Graduate Entry Medicine students are private arrangements between the relevant lenders and the students applying for such loans. However, I do understand from both students who have written to me and engagement with the relevant higher education institutions that the availability of such loans has been important in supporting people, including mature students, to study...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Apprenticeship Programmes (14 Feb 2023)

Simon Harris: Apprenticeship is a demand-driven educational and training programme that aims to develop the skills of an apprentice in order to meet the needs of industry and the labour market. The development of new apprenticeships is employer-led. Employer groups and educational providers come together forming a consortia to identify a skills need and appropriate apprenticeship response in their sector....

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Departmental Strategies (14 Feb 2023)

Simon Harris: Officials in my Department are continuing to work on the new International Education and Research strategy, and I anticipate bringing this to Government for approval before the summer.

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

Simon Harris: Higher Education Institutions are autonomous bodies and are responsible for their own day-to-day management and operational affairs, including the management of academic affairs and determinations around course provision. There are currently no CORU approved part time courses in Social Work. Currently, six higher education institutes (HEIs) have accredited programmes providing...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Health and Safety (14 Feb 2023)

Simon Harris: The alternative online option for the renewal of a Safe Pass card went live on the 1st of February 2023. This option allows a candidate to book a test on a date and time of their choice, at a designated test centre that suits them. They can pay for the test by debit or credit card, or their employer can purchase a voucher for them through the Pearson VUE voucher store. The cost of the test is...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Third Level Costs (14 Feb 2023)

Simon Harris: The Government recognises third level education can be a significant cost for families and students. Following on from improvements made to the Student Grant Scheme in Budget 2022, a range of further measures were announced to enhance the scheme as part of Budget 2023. In response to the ongoing cost of living pressures, I secured a significant cost-of-living package for third level...

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

Simon Harris: I recognise that third level education can be a significant cost for families and students. The main financial support available to students is the Student Grant Scheme. The means-tested Scheme is administered by SUSI on behalf of my Department. Under the Scheme, students can apply for supports in respect of fees and maintenance. In response to the ongoing cost of living...

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

Simon Harris: Springboard+ is co-funded by the Government of Ireland, via the National Training Fund, and the European Union. Springboard+ is managed by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) on behalf of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation & Science. It should be noted that to date no funding has been drawn down from the European Commission to support Springboard+...

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

Simon Harris: Under the terms of the Student Grant Scheme, fee and maintenance grant assistance is awarded to students attending an approved course in an approved institution who meet the prescribed conditions of funding, including those relating to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means. With regard to the residency criterion for the Student Grant Scheme, in order to be...

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

Simon Harris: I propose to take Questions Nos. 466, 467 and 469 together. One of my goals as Minister is to ensure that potential learners have access to the educational pathways that allow them reach their potential in a way that meets the very broad and rapidly changing needs of our labour force, the economy and society. It is therefore my objective to ensure that there is access into either further...

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

Simon Harris: I propose to take Questions Nos. 468, 470, 471 and 475 together. A priority focus of my Department is to strengthen the skills ecosystem in Ireland to ensure it has the agility and flexibility to adapt to changing priorities in the skills landscape and the rapid, technologically driven changes that we are seeing in the world of work. This is essential to ensuring that Ireland continues to...

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

Simon Harris: Higher education costs encompass both costs to the higher education system in delivering provision and costs to the student in accessing higher education. The Deputy will be aware that the period 2008 to 2015 saw a significant retrenchment in public funding to the higher education system. However, since 2016, public investment in higher education has again been increasing. In...

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

Simon Harris: My Department has made significant changes in the further and higher education, research, innovation and science sectors since its establishment in 2020, and are looking forward to seeing these sectors flourish over this current year and the years to follow. With 400,000 people enrolled in learning across further and higher education, the Department is responsible for a fairly sizable sector....

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

Simon Harris: Apprenticeships are employer led demand-driven educational and training programmes that aim to develop the skills of an apprentice in order to meet the needs of industry and the labour market. As apprentices are employees the demand for and number of apprentices is primarily dictated by the employer base in any area or sector. There has been a marked increase in craft apprentice registrations...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Student Accommodation (14 Feb 2023)

Simon Harris: I am actively addressing the difficulties faced by students in accessing affordable student accommodation. In recognition of the construction cost challenges and associated impact on affordability of student accommodation, on 29 November 2022, I secured Government approval to develop both short and medium term policy responses to activate supply of affordable student accommodation. ...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: International Bodies (14 Feb 2023)

Simon Harris: In November last year, I indicated in Dáil Éireann that my Department will prepare a proposal for Government to consider joining CERN. In order to ensure appropriate due diligence, this proposal for Government can be expected by the third quarter of 2023. Officials from my Department are now liaising with CERN regarding the total cost of membership, the application process and...

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

Simon Harris: Developing enhanced capacity within the tertiary education system to deliver on skills needs in areas of strategic importance to public services and the wider economy is a major priority for me. The Programme for Government commits the Department of Health to working with the education sectors, regulators, and professional bodies to improve the availability of health professionals and reform...