Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of persons exiting the springboard programme prior to completion due to having found employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41539/12]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the overall level of non-completion amongst those persons supported by the springboard programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41540/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 141 and 142 together.

Springboard, which was first launched in May 2011, is a specific initiative that strategically targets funding of free part time higher education courses for unemployed people in areas where there are identified labour market skills shortages or employment opportunities.

A report of the first stage evaluation of Springboard which was published by the HEA in February is available at . The HEA is currently undertaking the second stage evaluation of the first phase of Springboard 2011. As part of this process providers have been asked to report on outcomes, including completion rates and employment related outcomes, for participants. Data from the providers is in the process of being finalised and will be available in the coming weeks.