Willie Penrose (Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 126: To ask the Minister for Education and Science when she expects to publish the report which is close to being finalised on Access Programmes in Higher Education Institutions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25924/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The National Office for Equity of Access to Higher Education in the HEA is currently undertaking an evaluation of access programmes in higher education institutions. This work is underway as part of the 2005-2007 national action plan on access. The evaluation is examining actions taken by higher education institutions to increase the participation of students from four specific under-represented target groups: students who experience socio-economic disadvantage, members of the Traveller community and ethnic minorities, students with a disability, and mature students. It will cover institutions' access strategies, policies and practices, as well as specific initiatives and activities that aim to increase the participation of the target groups.

I understand that the evaluation is close to completion; the HEA expects to publish the final report this Autumn. I look forward to the findings which will inform future policy and practice in a critically important area of work for Government, that of achieving equality of access to higher education.