Clare Daly (Dublin North, Socialist Party)
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Question 154: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if it is the case that the new Springboard programme is not open to persons in receipt of disability benefit; the reason this is the case, in view of the fact that it is standard practice throughout the higher education sector that educational opportunities be equally available to persons with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14397/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Springboard is not a general education measure. It is a specific initiative targeted at unemployed people who have lost jobs in sectors where employment will not return to previous levels and who will need new qualifications and skills to re-enter employment. It is not targeted at people who have never been in employment or at those who may have lost their job as a result of an illness or disability and who may be able to return to work in their chosen profession when their illness or disability has ended. It is fully accepted that people with disabilities may also have lost their jobs as a result of the recession and may need reskilling to re-enter employment. It is open to any person with a disability who meets the eligibility criteria to apply for a place on a Springboard programme. Providers have also been reminded of their obligations to ensure that appropriate facilities are in place to support the participation of people with disabilities.