Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 1 Jul 2003

Vol. 570 No. 2

Written Answers. - Third Level Funding.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

326 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on concerns of students of the Trinity access programme foundation course in relation to the possibility of no funding being provided to run the course for future years. [18877/03]

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

328 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science if the ?127,000 provided to fund the Trinity access programme foundation course for young adults in 2002 is to be provided in 2003 in view of his Department's ?42 million windfall. [18879/03]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. N. Dempsey):

I propose to take Questions Nos. 326 and 328 together.

My Department understands that the Deputy's question relates to the foundation year course for young adults operated by Trinity College. 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.

The foundation course for higher education – young adults in Trinity College is one development which has been funded by the Higher Education Authority under its targeted initiatives. In this regard, €127,000 was provided by the Higher Education Authority in 2002. The Higher Education Authority recently invited the universities and other Higher Education Authority designated institutions to submit proposals for the targeted initiatives scheme this year. Submissions are due from the institutions over the course of the summer and decisions regarding allocations for 2003 for all access programmes in the university sector will be taken by the Higher Education Authority in due course. Overall in 2002 a total of €706,000 was provided for access measures in Trinity College under the targeted initiatives. My Department also provides grant aid in respect of a number of special projects which are designed to improve access to third level for second level pupils in particular schools in disadvantaged areas. My Department provided funding of €36,830 in 2002 for these activities within the Trinity access programmes.