Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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81. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide the name of a contact person, number or email of an official in springboard to advise and assist a group (details supplied) who wish to set up a hub to develop innovation and entrepreneurship. [21662/13]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Springboard is a specific initiative that provides part time higher education places for unemployed people in areas where there are identified labour market skills shortages or employment opportunities. All courses approved for funding under Springboard are selected by an independent panel with industry and educational expertise, having regard to published selection criteria and following a competitive tendering process. Springboard is managed by the Higher Education Authority and relevant contact details are available on the HEA website www.hea.ie.

Over the last number of years a network of innovation centres and technology transfer offices has been established across the higher education sector with the support of Enterprise Ireland. These centres and offices provide expert advice, business supports, tailored facilities and access to businesses and investors. Further details on these centres and the facilities available can be found on higher education institutions' websites.