The success of TCD's Access Programme (TAP), which was set up in 1993 to tackle educational disadvantage, is in danger due to a lack of funding. This year, the programme involves the provision of funding and top-up grants for 149 students. However, TAP has managed to acquire funding for only 79 of these.
According to Cliona Hannon, TCD's access officer, TCD will now have to decide which of the TAP students are the most financially deserving. TAP currently comprises three strands - a second-level project geared to encourage pupils in a number of Dublin schools and foundation programmes for both mature students and school-leavers. Since 1997, the programmes have been funded under the HEA's Targeted Initiative Scheme.
A major problem for students following the full-time TAP foundation programmes is that they are ineligible for higher education maintenance grants. Traditionally, TAP has been able to provide a small amount of financial support to these students, thanks to Trinity Foundation's fundraising efforts.
Last year, for example, students received grants of £1,500. This year, though, in addition to the 50 students on the foundation courses for school-leavers and mature students, TAP needs top-up grant support for 99 students who have been through the programme and are now enroled on undergraduate courses in the college. Even the maximum higher education maintenance grant (£1,775 per annum) is insufficient to cover the real cost of going to college.
"It's not good enough that TAP students have to rely on corporate funding," comments Averil Power, education officer at TCD students union. "It's one thing to be accepted into college - but it's another to be allowed compete on a level playing field. People on the TAP programme are already disadvantaged as they have to work longer hours in part-time jobs."
Last week, Michael Woods, Minister for Education and Science, announced grant increases (an extra £225 for students living away from home) for students classified as disadvantaged. The former minister Micheal Martin had indicated they would be up to £1,000.
