Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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580. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason an application for a course (details supplied) has been refused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5095/24]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Springboard+ is managed by the Higher Education Authority on behalf of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. The eligibility criteria for accessing Springboard+ courses are set out at: https://springboardcourses.ie/eligibility. As places on Springboard+ courses are limited, applicants who are on a qualifying Social Welfare payment will always take priority over others.

Higher education institutions are autonomous with regard to management of their academic affairs including admissions procedures. All applications under the Springboard+ initiative are processed by the course providers, in line with the eligibility criteria set out, and the final decision on which applicants are offered a place is one that is made by the course provider.

The Deputy will appreciate that the terms and conditions that apply to Springboard+ are applicable to all participants. Therefore, it would not be appropriate for me, as Minister, or my Department to intervene in this matter.

The applicant would be advised to get in contact with the relevant course provider on this matter.