COVID-19 ‘Targets’ the National Access Plan

This reflective piece examines the articulation of the vision presented in the National Plan for Equity of Access to Higher Education (NAP) in the context of the educational challenges faced by the target groups arising from the Covid-19 emergency. In addition, the piece aims to identify those who are outside the current NAP and make recommendations to address issues identified. For many of those identified as part of the plan, their educational experience changed overnight and brought with it both challenges and opportunities. As the pandemic impacted the lives of all it became apparent that others who were outside the NAP should be given a chance for their voices to be heard. The next plan needs to reflect the immediate and longer-term impact of the changes that have been experienced in education and give voice to a wider target group.