Vol. 206 No. 3
asked the Minister for Education whether he received from Cavan County Council a draft plan for the extension to students of loans for university education to be repayable to the local authority following completion of the student's university course; whether he has considered such plan fully; and what decision he has taken.
53.
asked the Minister for Education whether it is possible for local authorities to advance loans to students for educational purposes; and, if not, if he will take steps to introduce legislation enabling local authorities to do so.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I shall take questions Nos. 52 and 53 together.
Such a plan was submitted by Cavan County Council to my Department for its observations. The council was informed that, in the view of the Department's legal advisers, the Act concerned does not permit the council to lend or advance money.
I am not sure that the implications of such a plan have been fully thought out. I shall, however, give the matter consideration.
