Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 1587: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the recent publication of the Mature Student Directory of Irish Third Level Institutions; her views on whether this will become a valuable resource for many; if she will confirm that her Department will support the publication with appropriate funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1725/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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A Mature Student Directory was published last October by the Network of Irish Mature Student Officers (NIMSO). It provides information on courses, admission requirements and the financial and academic supports for adults who are considering entry to higher education. A recent evaluation of higher education access programmes by the National Office for Equity of Access to Higher Education of the Higher Education Authority (HEA) identifies better communication with prospective students as a key element of best practice and partnership between an institution and the wider community in which it operates.

In 2006, over €8million in funding for access activities, including the provision of information and guidance resources for mature students, was allocated as part of the mainstream, core grant of the seven universities and other HEA-funded institutions. This funding builds on almost €45million in targeted initiative funding for the development of access programmes and infrastructure allocated to HEA institutions between 1996 and 2005. Some 30% of this funding was designated specifically for initiatives targeting increased participation by mature students.

Funding for access and retention activities in the Institute of Technology sector (currently €1.3million per annum) is also allocated by my Department. Under recent legislation, the institutes have been designated as HEA-funded institutions and in the future, mainstream funding for the institutes, including access funding, will be allocated by the HEA. Access and life-long learning strategies of the universities and the institutes of technology are also being supported through the Strategic Innovation Fund.

The first allocation of €42 million under this fund was made by the HEA in 2006, €10 million of which is for projects supporting access and lifelong learning.