Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 July 2022
1457. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will publish the mature students research study commissioned by the Higher Education Authority from an organisation (details supplied) in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40681/22]
View answerIn 2020 the HEA commissioned a study on the issues and challenges associated with first-time mature student participation in higher education and to make recommendations that will support increased participation from this group.
Following a competitive tender process, Indecon Economic Consultants were appointed to carry out a study which included a comprehensive stakeholder consultation process and survey of current, former and prospective mature students.
The final report was published by the HEA on 14th June 2021 and its findings and recommendations will inform the actions, goals and priority groups for the next National Access Plan 2022-2028.
Work on this new Strategic Action Plan is almost complete. The Minister will be bringing a Memorandum for Government to Cabinet shortly.
A recommendation of the Study of Mature Student Participation in Higher Education (2021) is that access targets and supports need to focus on mature students who are from disadvantaged communities. Mature students in Ireland are defined as those who are 23 years or over on 1 January in their year of entry to higher education.
The report is available on the link below
hea.ie/assets/uploads/2021/06/Study-of-Mature-Student-Participation-in-Higher-Education_June-2021.pdf.
