Vol. 520 No. 5
17 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has to announce details of the third level access fund before the completion of the leaving certificate in order that students can factor this into their career decisions. [16155/00]
The National Development Plan, 2000-2006, establishes education as a key priority of Government. The plan provides for a third level access fund totalling £95 million. Building on the existing arrangements, the development of third level access is necessary to promote the participation of students with disabilities, students from disadvantaged backgrounds and mature "second chance" students.
The objective of this measure is to facilitate and improve access to the labour market for the beneficiaries while improving their long-term employability through enhancing their educational qualifications. It will meet the specific needs of students with disabilities in terms of equipment and support services; provide financial support to disadvantaged students by way of additional support to the existing maintenance grants scheme; develop outreach initiatives currently undertaken by a number of third-level institutions which involve links with second level schools and community groups and are designed to both assist students to meet the points requirements for the standard CAO entry procedures and to provide complementary special entry arrangements; and expand the provision of particular services, such as counselling and mentoring services, to meet the needs of non-traditional students.
Considerations are ongoing on the allocation of funding for initiatives under this fund. I am not yet in a position to convey details about the allocation of the funding. However, I can confirm that any additional direct financial supports to students will be made available in the course of the 2000-01 academic year.
