Micheál Martin
Question:84 Mr. Martin asked the Minister for Education the estimated cost of making all post-leaving certificate students eligible for grant assistance under the higher education grants scheme. [7174/97]
Written Answers. - Higher Education Grants.
To provide a means-tested student support scheme for PLC courses along the lines of the higher education grants scheme would cost of the order of £11 million per annum.
Micheál Martin
Question:85 Mr. Martin asked the Minister for Education the estimated cost of making part-time third level students eligible for means-tested grants under the higher education grants scheme. [7175/97]
In the 1994-95 academic year, there were almost 90,000 full-time students and some 22,000 part-time students at third level. It is estimated that of these some 56,000 full-time students and 10,500 part-time students are attending courses which come within the scope of the higher education grants scheme.
It is estimated that some 45 per cent of the students attending approved courses qualify for assistance under the higher education grants scheme. Using this proportion and an average rates of fee and maintenance grants, it is estimated that the cost of extending the scheme to include part-time students could cost in the region of £13 million.
I would point out that tax relief is available under section 15 of the Finance Act, 1996 for tuition fees paid by eligible students who are attending approved part-time third level courses.