Finian McGrath
Question:98. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding the online Springboard application gateway. [47622/13]
View answerThursday, 7 November 2013
Questions (98)
Written answers
The Springboard programme strategically targets funding of free part-time flexible higher education courses for unemployed and previously self-employed people in areas where there are identified labour market skills shortages or employment opportunities. Courses are selected for funding following a competitive tender process that is open to public, private and not for profit higher education providers.
To be eligible for a place on a Springboard course a person must be unemployed, actively seeking employment, and be in receipt of one of the qualifying Department of Social Protection payments or be signing for credits or be previously self-employed. Provided an applicant meets the Springboard 2013 eligibility criteria, decisions around the award of places on an approved programme are a matter for individual course providers.
If a person does not meet the entry requirements for a particular course it is open to them to apply for another course funded through the programme. Further information is available at the dedication information and applications website www.springboardcourses.ie.