Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 May 2022
122. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the way that the National Access Plan for Further and Higher Education will alleviate the socio-economic disadvantage that continues to be a barrier to accessing higher education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25337/22]
View answer186. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the timeframe for the publication of the new National Access Plan for Further and Higher Education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25336/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 122 and 186 together.
I am happy to give an update on the new National Access Plan - the new plan will succeed the third National Plan for Equity of Access to Higher Education. Work on finalising the next Plan is almost complete. My Department and the HEA has led a public consultation process and has engaged with a wide range of stakeholders in the preparation of this Plan. The New Plan seeks to target underrepresented students, vulnerable students or students who have experienced disadvantage and therefore face challenges in accessing higher education and experiencing belonging in higher education. Socio-economically disadvantaged students will continue to be a priority group in the next plan as will students from the Traveller community, students disabilities, lone parents and care experienced students.
I will bring the Fourth National Access Plan to Government shortly and it is my intention to publish the new Plan in the summer. I am looking forward to publishing this new and exciting Plan this year. This will be a more student centred plan that drives our strategic goal of inclusion which is a cornerstone of my Department priorities. While the focus of this Plan is higher education, we may in future plans consider widening the scope to include the whole of the third-level system (HE and FET).
