Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
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163. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if sole traders registered with the Revenue Commissioners can be made eligible for free Springboard courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25772/20]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Springboard+ which incorporates the ICT skills conversion programme, is a specific initiative which provides free and 90% subsidised part-time and full-time courses aimed at addressing the current skills needs of employers and supporting jobseekers to return to employment.

Employed or self-employed people are eligible to undertake NFQ Level 6 courses free of charge, and NFQ level 7-9 courses on payment of 10% of the course cost.

Sole traders registered with the Revenue Commissioners fall under the category of self-employed.

Evidence of their status may be demonstrated through providing revenue documentation, or other evidence of their self-employed status, which could include evidence to that effect from their accountant.

Further information on Springboard+ 2020 including entry requirements and eligibility criteria are available on the dedicated information and applications website: www.springboardcourses.ie