Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 103: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will assure the public that places on the springboard scheme in university are additional to previously existing college places and are not displacing places previously available to students who have completed their leaving certificate in the past; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20530/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Springboard is a specific initiative to provide 6,000 part time higher education places targeted at unemployed people who have lost jobs in sectors where employment levels will not return and who will need new qualifications and skills to re-enter employment as the economy recovers. These part time places were selected following a competitive tender process and are being funded as part of the Government's Job Initiative. The Springboard places are being provided by a range of public, private and not for profit higher education providers throughout the country. The 6,000 places being provided through Springboard are in addition to the number of full-time higher education places available for school leavers and adults who wish to return to full time education