Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister for his response and I appreciate the positive initiatives that have been put in place by the Government, such as Springboard and the ICT action plan. However, I am disappointed that there are no plans to change the progression requirements to facilitate people who have already achieved qualifications. I ask the Minister to consider this in future budgets. It is very important.

I have been contacted about this by a number of people. They are, for example, people who have a qualification but are now in teacher training college. They are in danger of dropping out because of this rule. I have also been contacted by managerial people who are undertaking a course in university and would like to be able to transfer to Springboard but they are, unfortunately, precluded from doing so. Perhaps the Minister might consider these situations in future budgets. People are caught in a trap. Due to the economic situation they are unable to secure employment in their chosen career but there are other opportunities through undertaking other courses. This issue must be examined.

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