Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 September 2011
133 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 76 of 15 September 2011 if he will review the case of a persons (details supplied) in Dublin 9; if an exception can be made in this case; and if there are any further supports available to assist this person [25998/11]
Amharc ar fhreagraSpringboard is a specific initiative to provide 6,000 part time higher education places for unemployed people who have lost jobs in sectors where employment levels will not return and who will need new qualifications and skills to re-enter employment as the economy recovers. The Springboard courses are in areas of current and future skills needs, as identified by the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs. The places being funded are at HETAC levels 6 to 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications and were selected following a competitive tender process. It is therefore not possible to include the course which is a full time programme at FETAC level 5 as part of Springboard.
I understand that the course in question is run by Teagasc and that students pursuing such programmes are eligible to apply to Teagasc for support under the Teagasc grant scheme. Further details are available from that organisation.
