Carol Nolan (Offaly, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

64. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if his Department has conducted any recent studies into the barriers to third level education for young persons from lower socio-economic groups; if he will consider commissioning such research; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31090/16]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The development of the National Plan for Equity of Access to Higher Education, 2015-19, was informed by the findings from existing research on the barriers to participating in higher education by under-represented groups, including those from lower socio-economic groups. The Plan was also informed by a consultation process which considered the views of the wide range of stakeholders that are active in this policy area.

The National Access Plan contains more than 30 actions that are intended to make higher education more representative of wider society. There are also specific targets, including a target to increase the proportion of students from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

My Department is also currently undertaking a review of lone parents’ participation in higher education. This review is expected to be published before the end of 2016.

I have secured additional funding of €8.5m for new access measures in Budget 2017.  These measures - which will include a new bursary scheme and cash incentives for higher education institutions to attract more students from lower socio-economic groups -  will complement existing support measures such as the Student Grant Scheme, the Student Assistance Fund and the Fund for Students with Disabilities.

Carol Nolan (Offaly, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

65. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the policy initiatives that resulted from the previously established educational disadvantage committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31091/16]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The policy recommendations of the Educational Disadvantage Committee (EDC), which ranged from the methodology for identifying educational disadvantage to teacher supply and staffing and integrating school-based and community interventions, were comprehensively addressed in DEIS - the Action Plan for Educational Inclusion.

A process to review the DEIS Action Plan which began last year is nearing completion and it is my intention to publish a new Action Plan for Educational Inclusion before the end of this year.

The review is looking at all aspects of DEIS, including the range and impact of different elements of the DEIS School Support Programme, the potential for innovation within and between schools and the  scope for increased integration of services provided by other Departments and Agencies, in order to improve effectiveness.   The latter is an area particularly emphasised by the EDC and achieving a more joined-up way of working for service providers at both national and local levels is a key objective of the Review process.

Implementation of actions arising from the Plan for Educational Inclusion will begin in the 2017/18 school year, and will be a continuing theme in the wider Annual Action Plan for Education.