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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 Jan 1990

Vol. 394 No. 8

Written Answers. - Higher Education Grant.

Edward Nealon

Question:

445 Mr. Nealon asked the Minister for Education the criteria used whereby a course for a Diploma in Chiropody at the College of Technology, Belfast, is not approved for the purpose of higher education grants; and if she will take steps to have it approved, especially in view of the fact that no such similar course is being offered by institutes in this State.

Edward Nealon

Question:

446 Mr. Nealon asked the Minister for Education the reason a person details supplied) in County Sligo who is pursuing studies for a Diploma in Chiropody at the College of Technology, Belfast, is not deemed eligible under the Higher Education Grants Acts and higher education grants schemes, in view of the fact that no such similar course is available in the approved institutes of higher education in this State.

I propose to take Questions Nos.445 and 446 together.

In general, all degree courses in Ireland — including Northern Ireland — and other non-degree courses which comply with the following criteria are recognised for grants purposes under the higher education grants scheme.

The criteria for non-degree courses are:—

(a) wholetime with an entry standard of Grade D or a higher grade in at least five subjects, of the leaving certificate examination;

(b) of a minimum duration of two years and

(c) recognised by a university, University College or the National Council for Educational Awards for the purpose of the award of a certificate or diploma.

The course referred to by the Deputy is not, I understand, recognised for grant aid under the comparable educational awards scheme in Northern Ireland and in the circumstances was not deemed eligible under our own higher education grants scheme.

The course is recognised, however, by the Department of Health for the purposes of securing employment in the particular field, and I am having the question of its eligibility under the higher education grants scheme re-examined in consultation with the Department of Health.

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