Vol. 403 No. 4
243 Mr. Farrelly asked the Minister for Education if she has examined the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6; if a grant will be made available to enable her to continue her studies; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I recently met the student concerned.
As the Deputy will be aware she obtained a place in year one of a three year diploma course in Rathmines College of Commerce having previously completed a two year unrelated certificate course in Athlone RTC. For grant purposes both courses are covered by the ESF training grants scheme. In accordance with the provisions of the scheme trainees who have completed a two year course are not eligible for receipt of a grant on admission to a further two year or three year unrelated course but may be considered eligible for a grant on admission to the third "add on" year of a related diploma course.
The Rathmines course has been deemed not to be related to the Athlone course. Accordingly, there is no provision in the regulations to pay grants in respect of the course which the student is now following.
