Vol. 434 No. 2
102 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Education if she will amend the current minimum academic requirements for higher education grants for students who have taken an ESF course and who have been offered a place on a degree course.
390 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Education if she will extend the provisions of the higher education grants scheme, in so far as the mature student category is concerned, to students under 23 at commencement of studies who receive a college place as a result of receiving post-leaving certificate qualifications such as mechanical engineering trades certificate with distinction and City and Guilds.
I am taking Questions Nos. 102 and 390 together. I am aware of difficulties experienced by some students who having been awarded a National Certificate or National Diploma are entering approved degree courses for the first time in the 1993-94 academic year, but who do not meet the Leaving Certificate Examination requirements for either grants or scholarships.
I am examining as a matter of urgency the possibility of enabling such students to become eligible for student support and I hope to be in a position to make a decision on the matter very shortly.
The issue of attainments requirements generally under the third level student support schemes is one which is being examined as part of the ongoing review of these schemes. I would hope that arrangements will emerge which will facilitate to the greatest possible extent all those who are successful in obtaining a place on approved courses and who are otherwise eligible.
