asked the Minister for Education if he made an order last month allowing university scholarship winners, who decided to follow a religious vocation, to postpone entry to a university on a whole time basis for one year only; if he is aware that some, at least, will be unable to avail of a scholarship after one year; if he will extend the period of postponement to two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - University Scholarships.
114.
I indicated to local authorities last month, by circular letter, that I would have no objection to the postponement of a higher education grant for one year in the case of an applicant who entered a religious order, and who is precluded by the rule of the order from engaging in secular study. If in any such case it were necessary to postpone the grant for a second year an application accordingly would be favourably considered by my Department.
Is the Minister aware that children entering certain religious orders are not allowed to do a whole-time course at a university until they are two years there and then they are allowed only with the bishop's permission, and the majority are not allowed to leave to take a whole-time course until after three years? Would he grant the concession for two years?
I said that.
The Minister said it would get favourable consideration which is a different thing.
Favourable consideration is favourable consideration in my estimation.
The Minister is prepared to give that favourable consideration. May we take it that he is in favour of granting this concession?
Yes.