Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 July 2019
258. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the funding provided to Springboard since it was created by year; the number of students accepted in each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27649/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraSpringboard+ which incorporates the ICT skills conversion programme, 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. Springboard+ supports jobseekers to return to employment and those in employment to upskill or reskill.
Courses approved for funding under Springboard+ are in areas of identified skills needs and are selected by an independent panel with industry and educational expertise, following a competitive call for proposals.
Springboard+ courses are open to people irrespective of their employment status. Returners and those in receipt of certain allowances, including Jobseekers Benefit, can access courses free of charge. Level 6 courses are free to all participants and for employed participants on courses NFQ level 7 – 9, 90% of the course fee will be funded by the Government, with participants required to contribute just 10% of the fee.
Springboard+ is funded through the National Training Fund, €34.438m has been allocated to Springboard+ 2019 which represents an increase of €4m over the 2018 allocation.
To date over €192m has been spent on Springboard+ providing free/subsidised higher education opportunities to over 52,000 people.
Springboard+ funding and number of participants 2011 - 2018
|
Academic Year |
Number of Participants |
Actual spend on Springboard+ per calendar year |
|
2011/12 |
4,836 |
€8,732,503 |
|
2012/13 |
6,335 |
€20,938,150 |
|
2013/14 |
6,183 |
€21,699,780 |
|
2014/15 |
5,178 |
€28,688,000 |
|
2015/16 |
7,800 |
€27,438,000 |
|
2016/17 |
6,079 |
€27,818,000 |
|
2017/18 |
6,521 |
€26,752,814 |
|
2018/19 |
9,225 |
€30,169,585 |
|
2019/20 |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Total |
52,157 |
€192,236,832 |
