Dr. Noel O'Connor:

We have a number of access programmes. There are two distinct programmes in Mountjoy Square. One is a mature student access programme targeting students aged 22 or over, of whom there are 100. It is a very important one-year programme for individuals who want to come back into higher education. There is also an international foundation programme targeting students coming to Ireland from abroad who have to make up a gap in their education before entering into higher education, very often involving adjusting to another country, city and language. Both programmes run side by side and have been very effective. The mature students access programme targets the Dublin city region and the north inner city in particular, and it is funded through philanthropy. The students do not pay fees and can pick up their entire grant when they start third-level programmes. Along with the international students, when they successfully complete the programme and meet the requirements they automatically move into mainstream undergraduate programmes.