Michael McCarthy (Cork South West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

531. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills her plans to increase the number of courses that are available in Cork south west to persons seeking to participate in the Springboard initiative; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33109/15]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Springboard+ is a specific initiative that strategically targets funding of free higher education courses for jobseekers in areas where there are real, 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 following a competitive tendering process.

The number of approved courses in any particular area is determined by the number of proposals received following the call for proposals.

Many Springboard+ courses are delivered on-line enabling people to access them regardless of where they reside in the country. Full details regarding individual programmes, including modes of delivery, are published on the dedicated Springboard website www.springboardcourses.ie as well as on the websites of providers of Springboard programmes.