Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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140. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 221 of 9 May 2017, the reply to which did not address the question asked, if he will consider a change of policy to allow for greater flexibility for persons who already possess a qualification at a particular level and who wish to obtain a qualification in a different discipline at the same level already achieved due to the fact they are unable to find work in the field that their original qualification is in; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23586/17]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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The statutory provisions regarding “progression” are set out in the Student Support Act 2011 and secondary legislation in respect of Student Grant Scheme and Student Support Regulations.

Any amendment regarding of the application of the rules around “progression” would require an amendment to the Student Support Act 2011 and the associated secondary legislation.

There are no plans to amend the existing policy regarding “progression”. However, my officials have recently commenced a review of this legislation to identify areas where the Act needs to be updated to reflect the changes that have taken place in Irish society and to ensure that supports are targeted effectively at those most in need. All relevant issues will be considered as part of this review.