Nicky McFadden (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons in Westmeath who have so far applied for and are taking part in Tús and jobbridge programmes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7969/13]

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. In addition, many Springboard courses are delivered on line, enabling people to access them regardless of where they reside in the country.

A total of 261 people with an address in County Westmeath have applied for a place under the two rounds of the Springboard programme that have issued to date and 138 people with an address in County Westmeath enrolled on Springboard 2011 and Springboard 2012 courses.