Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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192. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the steps being taken or the steps she proposes to take to assist applicants for higher education courses who are being refused higher education funding or a back to education allowance on the grounds that they have previously studied or completed a course at a similar level on the NFQ despite the fact that their existing qualification is deemed to be insufficient to meet the requirements of the workplace; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45747/14]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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Since 2011 my Department has introduced a number of targeted initiatives aimed at addressing the skills needs of employers and supporting jobseekers into employment. At higher education level Springboard and the ICT skills conversion programme provide opportunities for unemployed people and job seekers to upskill or reskill in areas of identified skills needs. 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.

There is no requirement on participants to be progressing to a further level on the NFQ.

Full details on Springboard and the ICT skills conversion programme, together with the eligibility criteria, are available on www.springboardcourses.ie