1254. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department has considered extending eligibility for Springboard courses to those not currently in employment who are not in receipt of State supports, such as those who have retired early. [32081/26]

Springboard+ is a targeted initiative which began in 2011 as part of the Government’s Jobs Initiative. Its aim is to provide free and heavily subsidised upskilling and reskilling opportunities through higher education in areas where there is an identified skills need. A particular emphasis of the initiative is upskilling people who are unemployed or in receipt of a social welfare payment, with a view to enhancing their employability and progression in the labour force.

Under the current eligibility criteria, applicants must fall within one of the published categories, such as employed, unemployed and in receipt of a qualifying Department of Social Protection payment, formerly self-employed, or returners to the workforce. Further information on the eligibility criteria is available at: HEA - Springboard+

Springboard+ is managed by the Higher Education Authority on behalf of my Department, and the terms and conditions of the scheme apply to all applicants. There are currently no plans to change the eligibility criteria.

Further Education and Training (FET) in Ireland offers a vast and diverse range of part-time and full-time options for learners, including people who are retired, which are designed to provide practical skills for employment or pathways to higher education. Further information on the range of courses on offer is available at: https://www.fetchcourses.ie/courses/about.