Results 881-900 of 5,097 for speaker:Mairéad Farrell

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Technological Universities (25 Jun 2024)

Mairéad Farrell: What I understand from what the Minister is saying is that TU proposals are coming in at the moment and there may be potential delivery in quarter 1 2025 or that will be when a decision will be made. I raised this matter earlier this year with the previous Minister, who is now Taoiseach, and he indicated to me there would be a change in the initial approach. Rather than having institutions...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Technological Universities (25 Jun 2024)

Mairéad Farrell: The point I am making is that there would have to be a review by the CSO and approval by Eurostat in order for technological universities to be able to borrow off-balance sheet. The premise of my question is whether that is currently in train rather than it being on-balance sheet. I am referring specifically to student accommodation because it was my understanding that Ts were promised at...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Third Level Education (25 Jun 2024)

Mairéad Farrell: 58. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the supports available for those students fleeing war from Gaza now studying in Irish institutions. [26570/24]

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Third Level Education (25 Jun 2024)

Mairéad Farrell: We have seen huge solidarity with the people of Gaza across Ireland. We have also seen that solidarity in our universities at the likes of Trinity, UCD and UCC. We also have seen students who have fled Gaza and who are now studying in Irish institutions. That is extremely welcome and I am interested to learn what supports are available for them.

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Third Level Education (25 Jun 2024)

Mairéad Farrell: Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire. How many are currently studying and being accommodated within the universities, if the Minister has that information available? I really welcome that these institutions have welcomed people who have been fleeing war with open arms. The concern that has been raised with me relates to what Deputy Stanton outlined about the costs for students who had not...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Third Level Education (25 Jun 2024)

Mairéad Farrell: That is no problem. Obviously, I will bring any particular matters directly to the Minister because the aim here is to ensure people get what they need. I appreciate it is related to the temporary protection directive. It is unfortunate, of course, because we have seen hell unfold in Gaza but I take the Minister's point on board. When he has more information, I will be delighted to hear it.

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Technological Universities (25 Jun 2024)

Mairéad Farrell: 59. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when the technological universities’ new borrowing framework will be put in place. [26572/24]

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Technological Universities (25 Jun 2024)

Mairéad Farrell: Will the Minister update us on the plans for putting in place a new borrowing framework for the technological universities? It has been a topic of conversation for some time - realistically since the TUs have come on stream. What is the update on this issue?

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Student Accommodation (25 Jun 2024)

Mairéad Farrell: For clarity, I was talking about the Minister's predecessor when I was talking about the hullabaloo. There was a massive hullabaloo regarding something related to student accommodation that came before Cabinet but there was nothing new in it. It sometimes takes a while to see behind the big hullabaloo of an announcement but I recognise that did not happen on the Minister's watch. It was...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Student Accommodation (25 Jun 2024)

Mairéad Farrell: 56. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when his Department’s new student accommodation strategy will be published. [26568/24]

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Student Accommodation (25 Jun 2024)

Mairéad Farrell: This issue is raised with me by students' unions quite a bit. They are wondering when the student accommodation strategy will be published. I understand they have been waiting for some time for this. It would be great to have sight of it and a date for when it will be published.

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Student Accommodation (25 Jun 2024)

Mairéad Farrell: What the Union of Students in Ireland, USI, wants at this stage is a date. The Minister mentioned it would be at some stage in 2024. I appreciate he is new in the role but this is something that was due to be published this year. When will it be published? The Minister mentioned the student accommodation policy. I remember when it was launched. There was a massive hullabaloo about...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Student Accommodation (25 Jun 2024)

Mairéad Farrell: 52. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills for an update on progress in addressing the current challenges around student accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26567/24]

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Student Accommodation (25 Jun 2024)

Mairéad Farrell: Will the Minister provide an update on progress in addressing challenges around student accommodation? There are many people finishing their leaving certificate and looking forward to September but they and their families are worried about the cost of what lies ahead, depending on where they receive the offer of a course and whether they will be able to find a place to live, let alone afford it.

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Student Accommodation (25 Jun 2024)

Mairéad Farrell: Will the Minister explain what he said about the 51-week leases? The Taoiseach, who was the Minister's predecessor, said in the House on multiple occasions he would bring this before the Dáil before the summer recess. I asked him if it could be done by ministerial order or in some other way that would hasten the process because we do not want people to be locked in at this point for...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Student Accommodation (25 Jun 2024)

Mairéad Farrell: When can we see it? The first and most important thing is for us to see the legislation. We all want to stop this practice and ensure people are not locked into 51-week leases. As soon as we can see it and make sure it does what it says on the tin, we can welcome it. We need to end the practice of 51-week leases because it has affected many students. Is it the Minister's view that he can...

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

Mairéad Farrell: 51. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills for an update on progress in addressing the issues in the craft apprenticeship system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26566/24]

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

Mairéad Farrell: Will the Minister of State update us on his progress in addressing the current challenges in the craft apprenticeship system? We are at the end of the leaving certificate examinations - hence a bit of a change in the weather - and young people are looking forward to what they may try to do later in life. One of the things that appeals is apprenticeships. That is a welcome decision to make,...

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

Mairéad Farrell: I agree with the Minister of State that we want to see a growth in craft apprenticeships. That is what we are both looking for. Previously when this was discussed, one of the big things that was said about the apprenticeship system is that it is employer led. One of the biggest employers in the State is the public service. Sometimes, people would be forgiven for thinking only the private...

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

Mairéad Farrell: Oh did I have one minute? I apologise. I got confused.