Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 May 2010
532 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of the 2,500 undergraduate and post-graduate part-time places offered to unemployed people from September 2009 that were filled; the number of applications in total that were received for these places; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20181/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraSome 2,500 places were made available for unemployed people on part-time undergraduate and postgraduate courses from September 2009 on courses that support the goals of the ‘Smart Economy' and particularly those relating to the specific skills needs of exporting sectors identified by the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs.
It is estimated that in excess of 3,000 applications were received for places under the scheme, almost 2,100 offers were made and more than 1,750 places were filled. A preliminary analysis by the HEA of information received to date from participating institutions shows that the majority of students are male and aged between 26 and 40 with previous qualifications at NQF 6 or above. Some 50% of participants were previously employed in the engineering, manufacturing or construction sectors. Over 70% were between 6-12 months on the live register and 55% indicated that their motivation for undertaking the programme was to enhance their career prospects.
