andMr. Coughlan asked the Minister for Education if he is aware that a number of students in the country who qualified for the higher education grants could not avail of them because they decided to become trainee teachers; and that these students are placed in an unfavourable position with regard to other students as they must either contribute to the cost of their training or have the cost deducted from salary after they qualify; and if he will amend this scheme to give these students sufficient grants to cover their fees and other expenses.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Higher Education Grants.
46.
The higher education grants scheme is intended to enable deserving students to proceed to third-level courses leading to a university degree or its equivalent. As the course of training for national teachers is at present not accepted as the equivalent of a course leading to a degree, trainee national teachers are automatically excluded from participation in the grants scheme. A loans scheme on the same means basis as the higher education grants scheme is, however, available to trainee teachers so that no candidate is excluded from training by reason of his parents' inability to pay the fee.
Is the Minister aware that if students decide to do a university course they are entitled to a £300 grant, but if they decide to go on for teaching they must pay their own fee partly or in full; and that if they cannot pay it partly or in full they must pay it when they qualify? Would the Minister reconsider the whole matter and at least agree to pay the fees of trainee teachers?
This question was discussed fully in a lengthy debate on the higher education grants Bill, which is now law. At that time I indicated— and it was generally accepted by the House—and I have indicated since then that we hope to have teacher training as part of a university course.
This year?
No, not this year, but starting next October. At that stage teacher trainees will participate in the higher education grants scheme. The present course for teacher trainees is not of university standard and, therefore, does not qualify for the grant. However, we hope to have that rectified for the year commencing next October.
Would the Minister agree to give the grant retrospectively?
I do not think that is realistic.
Students who do a course at the university are entitled to £300, but if they go for teacher training——
They do not do badly.
But they will do better with a degree from a university. At present their parents or themselves must pay for their training. I would ask the Minister to reconsider the matter and, if possible, to give the grant retrospectively.
We shall have it rectified by next September.