Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 1013: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the details of and the rationale for the decision to re-orientate the Millennium Fund at third level; the plans he has to replace this fund in order that financial assistance will be available for students from disadvantaged areas on the BITE programme in DCU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11211/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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A review of the Millennium Partnership Fund was commissioned by the Higher Education Authority in 2005. The review concluded that while the fund has served an important function in supporting students from disadvantaged areas to attend further and higher education, it has significant potential to facilitate outreach and role modelling if further developed within a holistic strategy to combat educational disadvantage. The review recommended a more targeted approach, focusing the fund on a rigorously selected sample of groups with a strategic focus and good linkages with other stakeholders at community level. It also identified the potential for the impact of the Fund to be considerably enhanced through shifting the emphasis from retention to community-based access.

My Department, the National Access Office of the HEA and Pobal have consulted with the various stakeholders, including local area partnerships, third level institutions and relevant government agencies on the transition to an effective community-based access model. These discussions are ongoing.

The Ballymun Initiative for Third-Level Education Ltd (BITE) includes a diverse range of students and prospective students typically seeking to participate in and complete a higher education qualification. The proposed re-orientation of the Millennium Partnership fund is designed to better develop and harness the capacity of local areas to implement effective strategies which encourage individuals of all ages and backgrounds to aspire to progression to higher education. It is envisaged that the re-orientation of the Millennium Partnership Fund will support the important role played by community support organisations like BITE.

Financial assistance will continue to be available for individual students from disadvantaged areas, principally through the maintenance grant schemes, including the Special Rate of Maintenance Grant but also by way of the Student Assistance Fund, the Fund for Students with Disabilities and the Back to Education Allowance.