Results 9,521-9,540 of 46,267 for speaker:Simon Harris

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Third Level Education (13 Oct 2021)

Simon Harris: Both National Agencies for Erasmus in Ireland - Léargas and the Higher Education Authority which manage the further and higher education sectors respectively - have reported a satisfactory response from the institutions within their specific remit. The response is boosted by the knowledge once again that participants can once again travel in line with public health advice. There are...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Technological Universities (13 Oct 2021)

Simon Harris: On 30 April 2021 the TUSEI consortium, comprising IT Carlow and Waterford IT, submitted an application to me under Section 29 of the Technological Universities Act 2018 seeking the making of an order to dissolve both Institutes of Technology and to establish in their place of a technological university to serve the South East region. I subsequently appointed an expert advisory panel to...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Technological Universities (13 Oct 2021)

Simon Harris: I have been clear in my commitment to expanding the imprint of higher education across the south east region. This includes a larger footprint for higher education in Waterford - a city which is targeted for a compact and sustainable population growth under Project Ireland 2040. In this regard, officials from my Department and the Higher Education Authority (HEA) continue to work...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Third Level Fees (13 Oct 2021)

Simon Harris: The principal support provided by the Department in financial terms is the Student Grant Scheme. Under the scheme, 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. The decision on eligibility for a student...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Third Level Fees (13 Oct 2021)

Simon Harris: The Deputy will be aware that the Programme for Government contains commitments to review SUSI eligibility criteria, adjacency rates and postgraduate grant supports. On foot of these commitments I gave approval to commence a review of the Student Grant Scheme, which is close to finalisation. My Department is overseeing the implementation of the review. A Steering Committee has been...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Third Level Education (13 Oct 2021)

Simon Harris: Our higher education institutions have a responsibility to their students and staff to foster a campus culture that is clear in the condemnation of unwanted and unacceptable behaviours, which act as barriers to their safety and their active participation in college life. In April 2019 the Framework for Consent in Higher Education Institutions: “Safe, Respectful, Supportive and...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Third Level Fees (13 Oct 2021)

Simon Harris: The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter, in the first instance, for SUSI to determine. For the 2021/22 academic year, student grant applications will be assessed based on gross income from all sources for the period 1st January 2020 to 31st December 2020. All applications are assessed nationally with reference to the terms and conditions of the relevant student grant...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Student Accommodation (13 Oct 2021)

Simon Harris: I was delighted to see Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest open its doors at the start of the month to become the third technological university in the State. The communities in areas where there are campuses of the new TU will benefit from a range of benefits over time. The universities will attract more students, they will help communities create and retain skills and...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Third Level Fees (13 Oct 2021)

Simon Harris: The principal support provided by the Department in financial terms is the Student Grant Scheme administered by SUSI. Under the terms of the Scheme, 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. SUSI...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Third Level Costs (13 Oct 2021)

Simon Harris: The Student Assistance Fund (SAF) provides financial assistance to students experiencing financial difficulties while attending third level. Students can be assisted towards costs such as food, rent, heating and lighting bills and other utility bills, books/class materials and costs associated with childcare, transport and medical. In general, the SAF has a dual focus and is designed to...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Third Level Education (13 Oct 2021)

Simon Harris: Construction on the new buildings proposed for delivery on the Waterford and Carlow campuses is due under the HEI PPP Programme, which at present is anticipated to commence in Q1 2023. The new Engineering, Computing and General Teaching building in Waterford will consist of undergraduate and postgraduate laboratories, general and specialised teaching space, learning resource space,...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Research and Development (13 Oct 2021)

Simon Harris: My department is currently developing a new National Research and Innovation Strategy which is expected to be completed later this year. We acknowledge the opportunity to recognise the R&I system as a resource to provide evidence-based research to address key national policy questions. This is an issue which has gained momentum in the last number of years and consideration needs to be...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Student Accommodation (13 Oct 2021)

Simon Harris: I understand that this is a very difficult time for students seeking to secure accommodation. The Government recognises this as a critical issue. Fundamentally, the challenge is one of supply. Approximately 40% of students who rent accommodation do so in purpose built student accommodation, with 60% in the wider private rental market. Accommodation shortages in the private rental market,...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Third Level Costs (13 Oct 2021)

Simon Harris: The principal support provided by my Department in financial terms is the Student Grant Scheme. Under the terms of the Scheme, 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. The decision on eligibility for a...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Further and Higher Education (13 Oct 2021)

Simon Harris: I have set out a commitment to build on the existing CAO process to ensure that there is greater visibility of the full range of options across further education and training (FET) and apprenticeship. This approach would enable school leavers to consider FET and apprenticeship options alongside HE choices at CAO decision time. Work is underway across SOLAS, ETBI, ETBs and the CAO to...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Institutes of Technology (13 Oct 2021)

Simon Harris: My Department is aware of the need for investment in campus upgrade works on the WIT main campus. In 2019 emergency funding of €291,000 was allocated to address immediate issues. WIT was also allocated €3.7 million in Devolved Capital Grant funding over the last two years. This grant allows WIT the flexibility to prioritise funding to support minor capital works,...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Third Level Education (13 Oct 2021)

Simon Harris: My Department is committed to supporting the wellbeing of the population through the provision of graduates with the key competencies and skills to be effective in the health workforce, and support a range of clinical teams, including those supporting people with disabilities. The National Health and Social Care Professions Office in the HSE have advised me that their Psychology Project...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Further and Higher Education (13 Oct 2021)

Simon Harris: The purpose of the Fund for Students with Disabilities (FSD) is to assist further and higher education institutions in ensuring students with disabilities have the necessary assistance and equipment to enable them access, fully participate in and successfully complete their chosen course of study. The FSD is one of the main funding sources supporting participation by students with...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Adult Education Provision (13 Oct 2021)

Simon Harris: I propose to take Questions Nos. 65, 72 and 163 together. I was delighted to launch the Adult Literacy for Life Strategy on International Literacy Day, 8th September. This is a 10 year adult literacy, numeracy and digital literacy strategy which takes a whole of Government action orientated approach. It is underpinned by one simple vision, to create an Ireland where every adult has the...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Third Level Fees (13 Oct 2021)

Simon Harris: The Student Grant Scheme is a critical financial support for students participating in further and higher education. As in any statutory scheme, a core principle of the scheme is that there is consistency of approach and an equitable treatment for applicants as part of the means assessment process. All applications are assessed nationally with reference to the terms and conditions of the...