Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 May 2021
122. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if alternative access schemes such as HEAR and DARE will also be reviewed further to the SUSI review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27068/21]
View answerThe current National Plan for Equity of Access to Higher Education covers the period from 2015 to 2021. One of the five priority goals under the plan is “to assess the impact of current initiatives to support equity of access to higher education”.
In this regard, a number of reviews have been undertaken of policy interventions including the Student Assistance Fund; the Fund for Students with Disabilities; a review to identify the supports and barriers for lone parents in accessing higher education; supports for Travellers assessing and participating in higher education; participation of mature students in higher education; and the Special Disadvantaged Initiatives which support access to further and higher education. A new Programme for Access to Higher Education (PATH) fund was created to support the objectives of the current National Access Plan. It in my intention to undertake a review of the PATH fund in 2022.
In order to advance the inclusion goal of my Department's Statement of Strategy, my Department has also embarked on undertaking a strategic review of our policy framework with a view to better facilitate access, progression and success for a wider and more diverse learner population at all levels. The review of the policy framework includes a review of the SUSI scheme to consider eligibility and to inform future policy decisions regarding grant support. Work is also underway on the development of the next National Access Plan for the 2022 to 2026 period.
It is anticipated that the SUSI review will be completed later this year and will inform future grant policy. The development of the next National Assess Plan is also on track to be completed later this year.
The HEAR and DARE schemes are reduced points mechanisms for entry into higher education. They are managed and operated directly by the higher education institutions. While my department does not have a direct involvement in the schemes, it does work closely with the sector to ensure that all policy levers are closely aligned and focused on improving access to higher education by underrepresented groups. In this regard, I understand that the Irish Universities Association is currently in the process of reviewing the HEAR scheme and that the group overseeing the review has representation from my department and the HEA.
