Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 14 Dec 1993

Vol. 437 No. 2

Written Answers. - Education Grant.

Michael Bell

Question:

195 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Education if she will review the application for a maintenance grant to a person (details supplied) in County Louth who is attending a two year course in Belfast Institute of Higher Education in view of the fact that the course, which is an accredited course by the Institute of Electrical Engineers, IEE, is for the Higher National Diploma, that the person concerned obtained his BTEC National Diploma in September 1993, which is a much higher qualification than the Leaving Certificate, is aged 23 years and should qualify for 1994-95; her views on whether we require the skills that this course can produce; and if she will favourably consider this person for a grant and include the course for grant purposes if not so included.

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

I understand from County Louth Vocational Education Committee which, as the relevant vocational education committee, is the body entrusted with the administration of the 1993 vocational education committee scholarship scheme, that the person in question was deemed ineligible for a scholarship on the basis that he did not satisfy the academic attainments requirements of the scheme. I also understand that the course in question is not an approved course for the purposes of the scheme.