Dominic Hannigan (Meath East, Labour)
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To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his plans for a travel allowance for springboard participants who have to travel long distances from their homes to their places of study; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49705/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Springboard 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. The courses are delivered in public, private and not for profit higher education providers around the country. Many Springboard courses are delivered online, enabling people to access them regardless of where they reside in the country. A second stage evaluation of the Springboard 2011 programme is currently being finalised. Any issues in relation to the level of supports available to students, will be considered in the context of the findings of the evaluation and having regard to the overall level of resources available.