Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 July 2022
1432. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if it is possible for a person who is in receipt of an old age pension to complete a level 8 Springboard course over a two-year period instead of the standard one-year period.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39761/22]
View answerSpringboard+ is a targeted initiative which is used to provide funding for higher education courses aimed at meeting the need for in-demand skills in the economy and supporting jobseekers to return to employment.
To qualify for a free Springboard+ course you must be in receipt of an eligible DSP payment, be actively seeking work and available to take up work. If you are employed, you must pay a 10% contribution towards the course fee at level 7, 8 and 9 on the NFQ. However, level 6 courses are free to employed applicants. There are also residency criteria for participants not in receipt of an eligible social welfare payment.
A person must meet the eligibility criteria for both Springboard+ and the academic criteria for their chosen course. One of the conditions for participating on a Springboard+ course is that participants in receipt of an eligible DSP must continue to remain available for and be actively seeking employment. A person on the State Pension (old age pension) would not meet this criterion.
The Higher Education Authority (HEA) manages Springboard+ on behalf of this Department; all courses approved for funding under Springboard+ are selected by an independent panel following a competitive tendering process. All funded courses are fully validated and courses are advertised on the Springboard+ website (www. springboardcourses.ie). Completing a level 8 Springboard+ course over a two year period, instead of the advertised one-year period, could not be facilitated.
Terms and conditions that apply to Springboard+ are applicable to all applicants and that exceptions cannot be made in any particular case.
