Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 October 2022
573. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will consider expanding the remit of the mitigating against educational disadvantage fund to provide rent-related funding to support educationally disadvantaged learners in accessing and participating in third level education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50095/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe purpose of the Reach fund (formerly the Mitigating Against Educational Disadvantage Fund) is to assist Education and Training Boards (ETBs) to increase their capacity and that of community education providers to address the decline in participation of educationally disadvantaged learners, particularly those on literacy and basic skills programmes at levels 1 to 3 on the National Framework of Qualifications.
The fund places a strong focus on community education as a mechanism to continue to support and engage with disadvantaged learners. In addition, there is a focus on enabling the investment in building the digital infrastructure of community education providers, including providing devices and software, and increasing their capacity to deliver learning and to ensure that online learning/blended learning can be delivered in a way that meets the complex needs of learners.
The purpose of the Reach Fund was specifically designed to tackle inequalities and support access to community education. The Deputy will be aware of the increases in the maintenance grant rates and in the income thresholds under the student support schemes announced in Budget 2023 which will benefit PLC students in addition to the removal of the PLC levy with effect from the September 2022.
