Results 321-340 of 33,686 for in 'Written Answers' speaker:Simon Harris

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

Simon Harris: TUs are important providers, regionally and nationally, of STEM programmes and of other higher vocational, technical, technological and professional skills programmes. They are legislatively required in so far as possible in the performance of their functions to contribute to the promotion of the scientific and technological development of the State. All five TUs provide a comprehensive range...

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

Simon Harris: Inclusion is one of the core strategic goals for my Department, and my ambition is to ensure that we provide supports and opportunities for learning to all. The Government’s STEM Education Policy Statement was published in 2017 and targets a 40% increase in the number of females taking STEM subjects for Leaving Certificate, which is critical for driving better participation at third...

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

Simon Harris: In considering the matters raised it is important to note that Technological Universities, as autonomous institutions, are responsible for their own academic affairs including the curriculum and student numbers on individual courses. The costs incurred by a Technological University in increasing student places on a particular course, or range of courses, can vary depending on a variety...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Further and Higher Education (16 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: Building Regulations (15 Nov 2023)

Simon Harris: The Construction Safety Licensing Bill 2023 provides for a new and comprehensive framework for the licensing of certain construction, quarrying and related activities in Ireland. Following an independent review of SOLAS’s Construction Services Unit in 2017 and subsequent consultation with public sector, industry, and staff representatives, all stakeholders agreed that the...

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

Simon Harris: Currently, there are 73 national apprenticeship programmes available in Ireland. Of these, 58 have no qualifying criteria associated in regards to colour blindness. More generally, to support apprentices, information is sought at the point of registration on any additional supports that may be needed due to a disability. Education and training providers offer learning and other supports to...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Dental Services (14 Nov 2023)

Simon Harris: My Department is strongly committed to supporting the health 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 in our health services. There is no quota placed on dental courses by my Department, and therefore the places offered are a matter for the higher education...

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

Simon Harris: The Residential Tenancies Act (as amended) 2019 brought Student Specific Accommodation (SSA) under the remit of the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) on the 15 July 2019. Section 19 b of the Act, provides that a person shall not be required, for the purpose of securing a tenancy, to make any payment other than; " (a) an advance payment of rent, which shall be no greater than the amount of...

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.

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.

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...

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...