Vol. 419 No. 7
69 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Education if he will outline the specific plans, if any, his Department has for establishing grants for people wishing to pursue open university courses; and if he will provide a timetable for the implementation of these reforms.
I have no plans at present for establishing grants for people wishing to pursue open university courses.
Grants awarded under the Higher Education Grants Scheme are tenable in respect of full-time attendance at degree and other approved courses in higher education institutions in Ireland. Persons following part-time courses are not eligible for aid under the Scheme, and I do not propose to change the regulations in that regard.
