Mairéad Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein)
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225. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he can confirm that funding (details supplied) comes from the National Access Plan, and for the avoidance of confusion, that this does not constitute new or additional funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32958/23]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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An inclusive higher education system is a national and European priority. Inclusion is one of the six strategic goals set out in my Department’s Statement of Strategy. My priority is to deliver a more equitable higher education system.

The fourth National Access Plan 2022-2028 was launched on August 31 2022 setting out our ambition to support inclusion and diversity in our student body, address the wider struggles and challenges for students, and deliver sustainable progress across the higher education sector.

Budget 2022 provided an additional dedicated investment of €35 million. (€5 million over 7 years) to support the objectives of the National Access Plan. Part of this funding has been allocated to a new PATH initiative - PATH 4.

PATH 4 Phase 1 was launched in 2022 with objectives of supporting the embedding of Universal Design (UD) approaches and inclusive practices in HEIs to benefit all students and in particular autistic students and enable the building of capacity in HEIs for greater participation by students with intellectual disabilities in higher education. 19 HEIs received a total of €3 million in Phase 1 to support these objectives.

PATH 4 Phase 2 involves a competitive call for proposals to Higher Education Institutions (HEI’s) for additional course provision in Higher Education for Students with Intellectual Disabilities. I launched the competitive call on the 29th of June 2023. This asks HEI’s to consider how they can enhance provision for students with an intellectual disability and a total fund of €9 million over 3 years is available, from funding secured in Budget 2022, to support enhanced provision. A lot of consultation has taken place with students to inform this call for proposals and I look forward to receipt of proposals for consideration later this year.

Mairéad Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein)
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226. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will address a series of queries related to funding (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32959/23]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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On June 28th 2023, I announced a significant milestone in the development of the National College of Art and Design (NCAD), under the Department's Infrastructure Upgrade and Refurbishment Fund (IURF).

NCAD prepared an application for funding under the IURF in respect of a proposed development for the college. During my visit to the college, I confirmed that the Department felt that there was sufficient evidence to merit that this proposal should proceed through to the next stage to development of a Preliminary Business Case in line with the Public Spending Code.

The Preliminary Business Case will examine the best way to address capacity and demand constraints, to permit increased research related to the remit of NCAD and secure the college's historic buildings for the future. This will take place within the context of strategic alignment with Government policy and the preliminary demand analysis for the college.

In respect of the Devolved Grant referred to by the deputy, NCAD received funding in the amount of €283,382 as announced on 26 June 2023, in line with the provisions for that particular scheme. This is separate to and independent of the progression of the IURF project for the college.

Mairéad Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein)
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227. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will address a series of queries related to funding (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32960/23]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Across the Higher Education System, funding has been provided under Springboard+ and the Human Capital Initiative for programmes which provide upskilling and reskilling opportunities in areas of identified skills need.

On 7th June 2023, a combined total of 11,213 places on 357 courses were launched under Springboard+ 2023 and Human Capital Initiative (HCI) Pillar 1, provided by public and private higher education providers around the country for the academic year 2023/24.

Regarding the academic year 2022/23, there were a combined total of 13,928 places in 392 courses that were launched under Springboard+ 2022 and HCI Pillar 1. Please find attached the list of courses available under these initiatives and their providers, for both 2023/24 and 2022/23, presented in tabular form.

Springboard+ and Human Capital Initiative (HCI) Pillar 1 offers free or 90% funded higher education places to jobseekers in need of upskilling or reskilling to allow them to re-enter the labour market, and returners and those in employment who wish to upskill or reskill to meet specific emerging skills needs. Most programmes are delivered either fully online or in a blended format, making them fully accessible. All courses are informed by engagement with enterprise and provide job-readiness training, with most courses offering the opportunity for work placement, project-based learning or industry site visits, where appropriate.

Full details on Springboard+ and Human Capital Initiative (HCI) courses, the eligibility criteria and how to apply can be found on the website: www.springboardcourses.ie.

Mairéad Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein)
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228. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if his Department has a policy when it comes to making announcements, specifically in relation to the need to make it clear to the public whether additional funding is being made available for an initiative, or whether this is existing money that has already been announced, in order to avoid confusion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32961/23]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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While my Department does not have a specific policy regarding announcements and the distinction between new funding and previously announced funds, I can assure the Deputy that the Department places great emphasis on clear and open communication with the public.

When making announcements, my Department prioritises accuracy, context and plain language to ensure clarity and avoid any misunderstandings.