Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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44. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his plans for the implementation of the recommendations of a recently published report (details supplied) and in particular those recommendations related to making third-level education more affordable for mature students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36792/21]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The “Progress Review of the National Access Plan and Priorities to 2021”was published in December 2018. The Progress Review noted rates of participation by mature students had declined since the commencement of National Plan for Equity of Access 2015-2021. Participation rates for mature students fell from 13% to 9% for full-time students, and by 3% for full and part-time students. This coincided with a period of economic recovery and labour market reactivation unforeseen when the targets for the NAP were being set; this may have been a factor in the declining number of mature students.

The 2018 Progress Review recommended that research into participation by mature students be commissioned to examine factors, including challenges and barriers. The HEA commissioned Indecon International Research Economists to provide an independent study on mature student participation in higher education.

The report was recently published and can be accessed on the HEA’s website at: hea.ie/resource-category/access/publications/

The report provides a crucial insight into the challenges faced by the mature student population (current, former and prospective) in accessing and participating in higher education. Among its recommendations, the report calls for access targets and supports to be focused on disadvantaged communities as well as expanding opportunities for part-time learning. It calls for strong national provision of guidance and support for mature students as well as increasing provision for foundation/provision of bridging courses in partnership with further education, and the development of seamless pathways between further education and training and higher education.

The publication of this report in June is timely as it coincides with the consultation process on the next National Access Plan (NAP) which will cover the 2022-2026 period. Its findings and recommendations will input into the development of the next NAP and provide an evidence base for more effective targeting and tailoring of actions to support disadvantaged communities to enter higher education as mature students. The report also complements the work regarding the review of the Student Grant Scheme.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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45. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which his Department continues to coordinate opportunities to emphasise the sciences, innovation and research with a view to ensuring the maximum level of preparedness to graduates through such channels having particular regard to the needs in an ever increasingly competitive market place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36765/21]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The development of a country’s talent entails lifelong investment and commitment on the part of both the individual and the State. From pre-primary through to further and higher education and throughout an individual’s career, skills and knowledge need to be continuously enhanced if individuals, employers and countries are to realise their potential. The centrality of the higher education and research systems in the innovation ecosystem and the availability of high-quality talent from the tertiary education system are core to Ireland’s competitive position.

The expansion of higher education has been a key enabling factor in the growth of the Irish economy over the past four decades. The availability and quality of graduates is essential if we are to maintain our attractiveness as a location for investment and grow our reputation as a destination for a successful research career. The higher and further education sectors are critical sources of knowledge creation, innovation, skills and human capital development and critical to our ability to deal with current and future crises is ensuring we have a pipeline of talent coming through our higher education system that is fully equipped to make a valuable contribution to our economy and society.

I and my department are determined to be the driver of a vibrant sector which produces individuals who are equipped with the skills that they need to progress in the way that they want to, and in a way that meets the needs of our evolving economy and contributes to an inclusive society. Not only will these individuals be equipped with expertise in research and innovation but I am also determined that the sector will continue to embrace and embed innovation in how it delivers and operates.

As international competition for talent, investment and innovation grows more intense as nations strive to improve their standing as knowledge based economies, the establishment of a new Department focused on talent and knowledge is an indication of the Government’s intent to position human capital and research as key enablers for our future economy and society.