Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 26 Feb 1991

Vol. 405 No. 6

Written Answers. - Career Break Grants.

Theresa Ahearn

Question:

175 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Education if she will give details in relation to grants for a teacher who wishes to take a career break in order to return to university to pursue a degree course; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Mrs. O'Rourke)

A scheme exists for the granting of leave of absence with pay in certain circumstances to teachers wishing to pursue university courses subject to the teacher meeting the costs of substitution. The teacher whom the Deputy has in mind may wish to contact my Department about this provision.

Apart from that there is no scheme of grants specifically for teachers wishing to attend university courses. The question of whether the particular teacher referred to is eligible for a grant under the higher education grants scheme is one, in the first instance, for the appropriate local authority.