Vol. 407 No. 3
209 Mr. Garland asked the Minister for Education the reason for the withdrawal of the ESF grant which was available up to 1988 when it was partially withdrawn resulting in a situation where students now receive a grant that pays fees but does not allow for maintenance support; whether it is intended to restore the ESF grants to pre 1988 levels; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Under the ESF supported programme the grant for second-level courses covers all fees. At the third-level it covers both fees and maintenance.
Since 1988, the number of centres offering courses at second level is increased from about 330 to 450 while the number of participants has increased by about 600. The allocation for these programmes has increased from £37 million in 1988 to £51 million currently.
As I announced recently a national certifying body for such programmes will be established in the near future.
