Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 26 Feb 1997

Vol. 475 No. 5

Written Answers - Post-Leaving Certificate Course.

Godfrey Timmins

Question:

26 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Education if she will examine the case of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford, who is in receipt of a survivors pension and who is currently on a post leaving certificate course which has been recommended on medical grounds and for which she is receiving no financial assistance due to the fact that she is not in receipt of a dependent allowance payment on her pension; and if he will ensure that approval issues from his Department to enable her to continue her studies without financial hardship. [2357/97]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

Tuition fees are not payable in respect of post leaving certificate courses. There is no scheme operated by my Department under which financial assistance could be provided to the person in question in respect of her attendance on the course.

The question may relate to the possibility of the recognition of the student as a participant in the vocational training opportunities scheme while she pursues her post leaving certificate course, which would confer certain entitlements on her.

In order to be eligible to participate on the vocational training opportunities scheme, a person must be 21 years old or more and signing on the live register for at least six months.

A limited number of places is also available to persons in other circumstances, including lone parents. As the person in question does not fit into any of these categories, she does not meet the eligibility requirements for the scheme. In the circumstances, it is regretted that it is not possible to allow her to participate in a VTOS course.