Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 166: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the supports available for mature students who have been turned down for a full-time course through the CAO system and chose to then take the course part time but have to pay full fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26196/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Part-time programmes are not eligible for support under the student grant or free fees scheme. However, tax relief, at the standard rate of tax, is available on third-level tuition fees paid in respect of approved courses at approved higher education institutions including certain approved undergraduate courses in E.U. member states and approved postgraduate courses in E.U. member states and in non-E.U. countries.

In addition, as part of the Government's Jobs Initiative, 6,000 part-time places are being funded through Springboard, a specific initiative 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 be eligible for a place on a Springboard course an applicant must have a previous history of employment, and at the time of starting a Springboard course must be unemployed and in receipt of Jobseeker's Allowance, Jobseeker's Benefit or One Parent Family Payment or be signing for contribution credits and be available and actively seeking employment. Full details regarding all Springboard can be found on www.bluebrick.ie .