Clare Daly (Dublin North, Socialist Party)
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258. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the steps he will take to develop access to third level education particularly at masters and doctorate levels for mature students. [49555/13]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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A new National Plan for Equity of Access to Higher Education (2014-2019) is currently being prepared by the National Access Office for my Department. This will include new targets to increase participation by under-represented groups.

The Springboard programme strategically targets funding of free part-time flexible higher education courses for unemployed and previously self-employed people in areas where there are identified labour market skills shortages or employment opportunities. These programmes are open to mature students. The courses, which are at level 6 (higher certificate) to level 9 (masters degree) on the National Framework of Qualifications, are being delivered in public and private higher education providers around the country. Full details regarding individual programmes are published on the dedicated Springboard website www.springboardcourses.ie as well as on the websites of providers of Springboard programmes.