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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 12 May 1998

Written Answers. - Student Support Schemes.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

62 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science whether he has considered the introduction of a maintenance element for students studying overseas which would take account of the cost of living in that country. [11113/98]

Since 1996 the student support schemes have been extended to provide maintenance grants for undergraduate students pursuing approved third level courses in other EU member states. Prior to this, such grants were only payable to students who were pursuing approved courses in the Republic and Northern Ireland.

In this context, following discussions with the local authorities regarding the necessary administrative arrangements, it was agreed that students pursuing approved courses in other EU member states, including Northern Ireland, would be paid the value of the grant in the currency of the country in which they were studying. It was further agreed that the value of the maintenance grant to be paid, in all circumstances, would be the Irish value converted to the currency of the relevant country in which the student was studying, at the prevailing exchange rate. Previously, students studying in Northern Ireland were paid the amount of the grant in sterling, without reference to exchange rates. Those students studying in Northern Ireland who were assessed under the student support schemes prior to 1996 continue to receive their grants in sterling, without reference to exchange rates. Students who commenced their studies from 1996 are paid under the revised arrangements. I am satisfied that these arrangements are equitable and efficient.

I am not in a position to supplement grant aid for students pursuing courses in other EU member states. Moreover, such an approach could well give rise to anomalies and to claims of inequitable treatment between students studying in different countries.

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