Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 282: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the status of the planned reorientation of the millennium partnership fund by the Higher Education Authority; his views on whether the absence of information on the new plans has led to considerable uncertainty and concern in those areas which have previously benefitted from this fund, resulting in a contraction of his stated objective for people to enter or re-enter education and training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26649/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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My Department has been working with the Higher Education Authority (HEA) and Pobal on the re-orientation of the Millennium Partnership Fund, which was recommended by an independent evaluation commissioned by the HEA. 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.

To date, there have been two consultation events with a wide range of stakeholders to reflect on experiences and to ascertain views on the shape and content of a re-oriented Fund. The work has focused on a collaborative approach to developing a framework that reflects the inputs from the consultation events and draws on current learning in the area of community-based access.

Given the importance of shaping a new programme that will integrate effectively with existing structures and complement existing core initiatives, whilst simultaneously laying a solid foundation for the future, it is considered that additional work will be required on the shaping of the new programme, including further consultation with participating groups. Therefore, the fund will continue in its existing format for the coming academic year, during which time the transition to a community-based access approach will continue to be developed. The HEA has already been in contact with the relevant local area partnerships informing them of this decision.