Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 4 Jul 1995

Vol. 455 No. 4

Written Answers. - Maintenance Grant.

Tony Gregory

Question:

110 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Education the maintenance grant assistance, if any, available to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7, who is in receipt of long term unemployment assistance, who was on a vocational training opportunities scheme for three years and who has been accepted for a place on a BA Honours in Theatre Arts and Acting at Manchester Metropolitan University, a course not available in this State; or alternatively, if he can continue on the VTOS in view of the exceptional circumstances. [12291/95]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

Under the terms of the 1995 higher education grants scheme maintenance grants are payable only to students pursuing approved third level courses within Ireland. A maintenance grant could not, therefore, be paid in respect of attendance at a third level college outside Ireland for the 1995-96 academic year to the person in question.

Neither could the person be allowed to continue on the vocational training opportunities scheme as that scheme is specifically for programmes below third level being pursued within the State and is supported by the European Social Fund on that basis. Moreover, participation in VTOS is intended to be for two years only.

The Minister for Finance in his Budget Statement announced that it is intended that maintenance grants under the higher education grants scheme will be extended to certain courses to be specified being followed by Irish students abroad with effect from the 1996-97 academic year. Details of arrangements to give effect to this commitment have not yet been finalised.