Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 17 Oct 1995

Vol. 457 No. 1

Written Answers. - Post Leaving Certificate Grants.

Dermot Ahern

Question:

129 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Minister for Education the plans, if any, her Department has to assist a post-leaving certificate student (details supplied) in County Louth who is currently doing a child-care course in St. Laurence's Further Education, Drogheda, County Louth, who is not in any way assisted by the State in this regard, who is obliged to travel from Dundalk to Drogheda every day by bus at a cost of £11.50 per week and whose parents, even though she is still living at home, have been reduced in their social welfare payments due to the fact that their daughter is now over the age of 18; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14878/95]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

Post leaving certificate courses are delivered in schools and colleges which are outside the third level sector, and PLC students are not therefore eligible for grants under the higher education grants system.

Eligibility for school transport is determined on the basis of distance from the nearest centre with a PLC course, which in this case is Dundalk. I understand there is a PLC course in childcare operating in O'Fiaich College. The Deputy will be aware that I have abolished charges for PLC courses with effect from the start of the current academic year.