Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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199. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of applications made through the Springboard+ stream for funding in 2017, 2018 and to date in 2019; the number of successful and unsuccessful applicants in respect of funding; the amount allocated to the stream in the context of budget 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44215/19]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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Springboard+ which incorporates the ICT skills conversion programme, is a targeted initiative which is used to provide funding for higher education courses aimed at meeting the need for in-demand skills in the economy. Springboard+ supports jobseekers to return to employment and those in employment to upskill or reskill.

All courses approved for funding under Springboard+ are selected, following a competitive call for proposals, to public and private higher education providers across the country.

Decisions on proposals to be approved for funding are made by a panel of experts with industry and educational experience, which is established by the Higher Education Authority. The assessment and selection process is overseen by an independent process auditor.

Courses approved for funding in 2019 are in the following areas, ICT, Engineering, Manufacturing and Construction, Hospitality, and Business, Administration and Law.

Under Budget 2020, €34,438,000 has been allocated to Springboard+ 2020.