Vol. 437 No. 6
110 Mr. Kenneally asked the Minister for Education the plans, if any, she has to do away with the discrimination which currently exists for unemployed people who do not live in close proximity to a university, which consequently forces them to follow a part-time degree course, thereby precluding them from a higher education grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
There is no discrimination against unemployed persons in the provisions of the higher education grants scheme. Each person, regardless of employment status, who satisfies the income requirements and other conditions of the scheme is eligible to be awarded a student grant in respect of full-time attendance at a degree or other approved course.
Students pursuing part-time courses or evening lectures are not eligible for grant-aid under the higher education grants scheme. It is not considered possible to make an exception as regards this condition in respect of persons who are unemployed. I will be happy to have fully clarified any individual case which the Deputy cares to bring to the attention of my Department.
