Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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314. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding funding for a postgraduate diploma; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39336/20]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Under the July stimulus package an additional funding allocation of €47.5m was provided for Higher Education skills-related programmes. The higher education elements of the July stimulus package were in three broad areas – further support for Springboard+ and HCI Pillar 1 (€10m), Funding for Postgraduate provision (€22.5m), and the provision of modular courses(€15m).

The Postgraduate Skills element provides an additional 2,555 places on 207 existing part-time and full-time postgraduate taught programmes in 23 public and private higher education institutions.

The places are available on courses in a wide range of skills areas, including Data Analytics, Environmental Sciences, Engineering, Tourism and Hospitality, ICT & Health and welfare including Medical Technology.

It is important to note that the funding and additional places provided under the July Stimulus package is separate and supplementary to the usual intake on postgraduate courses.

With reference to the postgraduate diploma in youth work, I understand from information received from the HEA, that registration and induction of students for the additional places (as funded under the July Stimulus) will take place in UCC with the academic component commencing in 14^thDecember 2020. Applicants who apply and are approved for the additional places on this course will be able to avail of the supports being made available as part of the July Stimulus initiative.