Vol. 566 No. 3
253 Mr. O'Connor asked the Minister for Education and Science if funding will again be provided in 2003 for the Trinity access programme; if his attention has been drawn to the importance of such a programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12688/03]
255 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department will continue to fund the Trinity access programme foundation for young adults, which offers teenagers from socio-economic disadvantaged backgrounds access to third level degree programmes. [12713/03]
269 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science if funding for the access programme foundation course for young adults is to be ceased; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this course offers teenagers from socio-economic disadvantaged backgrounds access into third level degree programmes; if his attention has further been drawn to the importance of this degree course which some students would not be able to gain entrance to without the foundation course; if his attention has further been drawn to the detrimental effects this will have on so many students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12878/03]
274 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the foundation course, which is part of the Trinity programme, to fund access to students from disadvantaged backgrounds, is under threat of closure; and if he will make enquiries as to whether his Department can play a role in protecting its future. [12927/03]
277 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will make a statement addressing the concerns of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 4; and his Department's plans regarding this course over the forthcoming years. [12933/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 253, 255, 269, 274 and 277 together.
The Higher Education Authority has for a number of years provided dedicated funding to the universities and other Higher Education Authority designated institutions to support new developments in areas of strategic importance in higher education. One particular priority area is that of broadening access to the universities and Higher Education Authority institutions for students from traditionally under-represented groups. These include students from disadvantaged backgrounds, mature students and Travellers. In 2002, the Higher Education Authority provided over €6 million to support institutions in initiatives aimed at providing for such broadened access.
