Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 4 Nov 1992

Vol. 424 No. 9

Written Answers. - ESF Grants.

Gerry Reynolds

Question:

62 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Minister for Education if he will allow all vocational education committees to pay ESF grants directly to students who initially apply to their local vocational education committee for grant aid as this will streamline the present system of payment where first year students attending regional technical colleges will be waiting until mid-December for payment of their ESF grants.

Minister for Education (Mr. S. Brennan)

The present arrangements whereby ESF maintenance grants are paid by the college authority were introduced some years back to improve the overall administration of the scheme, including the payment service to students.

Initial payments of the grant to trainees generally commenced in October and will be completed shortly.