Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 5 Oct 1995

Vol. 456 No. 5

Written Answers. - Higher Education Grants.

Pat the Cope Gallagher

Question:

86 Mr. P. Gallagher (Donegal South West) asked the Minister for Education the plans, if any, he has to extend the higher education grant scheme to include courses available at institutions in the United Kingdom. [14199/95]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

Under the provisions of the higher education grant scheme, grants are not tenable outside Ireland.

However, the Minister for Finance in his Budget Statement of 8 February 1995 announced the Government's intention that maintenance grants under the schemes of third level student support will be extended to approved courses being followed by Irish students abroad with effect from the 1996-97 academic year.

The details in relation to the implementation of this initiative are being considered by my Department at present.