Bernard Allen
Question:217 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Education the proposals, if any, she has to rectify the situation whereby Irish students studying in the United Kingdom do not qualify for third level grants or European Social Funding.
Written Answers. - Student Support Schemes.
Grants and scholarships awarded under my Department's student support system are tenable only in approved institutions in Ireland, including Northern Ireland.
The extension of the student support schemes to provide for the payment of maintenance grants to Irish students pursuing courses in third level institutions in Britain is likely to have significant financial implications. To date I have been obliged because of limited Exchequer resources to confine financial support to students following third level courses in Ireland, including Northern Ireland.
However I have this aspect of the student support schemes under review in the context of my consideration of the recommendations of the expert advisory group which I have received.