Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 151: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the steps she has taken to further increase third level participation rights with a special focus on those from disadvantaged areas, as outlined in the programme for Government; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6058/08]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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A number of steps are being taken to ensure we continue to build on the success of the previous Programme for Government and National Development Plan (2000-2006) in achieving further increases in participation in third level education by young people and adults from disadvantaged groups and areas.

The first step is the significant commitment of resources over a seven year period for a number of key measures under the Social Inclusion and Human Capital Priorities of the current National Development Plan 2007-13. The second step is the actions associated with the implementation of those measures by a range of personnel in the further and higher education sector, schools, community agencies, as well as officials in my Department and the Higher Education Authority. Over the seven years of the NDP €13 billion will be invested under the Human Capital Priority towards developing the capacity of our higher education institutions to meet a number of key national objectives.

The key objective of third level access programmes is to encourage more young people and adults from disadvantaged schools and areas in continuing or re-engaging with education. The strategic planning and development of our higher education institutions is also being supported by the allocations that are being made through the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF). In addition to the core funding of higher education institutions, over €510 million will be allocated to third level institutions through the SIF.

The Social Inclusion Priority of the NDP commits that €2 billion will be dedicated over the period 2007-13 to address inequities in participation by students from socio-economically disadvantaged groups (including members of the travelling community and refugees), students with a disability and mature students. This funding underpins the allocations that will be made through the Higher Education Grant scheme (including the 'Special Rates of Grant') as well as the significant reforms to the existing maintenance grant schemes that are proposed by the recently published Student Support Bill.

This priority also encompasses the Third Level Access Sub-Programme, which includes the annual allocations through three funds: the Fund for Students with a Disability, the Student Assistance Fund and the Millennium Partnership Fund.