Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 19 Feb 1991

Vol. 405 No. 3

Written Answers. - Student Grants.

Ivan Yates

Question:

317 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the fact that many students attending courses, especially from rural areas, are unable to receive any grants or financial assistance regardless of the fact that their parents may have social welfare as their sole income; the proposals she has to ensure that students on special courses for post-leaving certificate pupils will be catered for in the future by establishing a fund to assist them for cases of hardship; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Mrs. O'Rourke)

I understand that the Deputy is referring to vocational preparation and training courses provided in second level schools. Trainees participating on such courses do not receive a training allowance but are entitled to free tuition. In addition, a grant is paid by my Department to schools participating in the free education scheme towards the cost of books for necessitous students. Trainees who wish to avail of this assistance should contact the principal of the school.