Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 Jun 1998

Vol. 492 No. 7

Written Answers. - Higher Education Grants.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

335 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Science whether maintenance grants will be available to post leaving certificate students in the 1998-99 academic year; the proposed level of grant to be provided; whether payment of these grants will commence from the beginning of the academic year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14863/98]

Liz McManus

Question:

337 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Education and Science when he will notify vocational education committees of the new grants for post leaving certificate courses which he announced; the procedure that will be provided for applicants; if they will qualify for the 1998-1999 academic school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14892/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 335 and 337 together.

The programme for Government, An Action Programme for the Millennium, provides a commitment to the introduction of equitable support of students attending PLC courses. Furthermore, I have already advised the House of my intention to introduce grants, which will be at the same level as the third-level maintenance grants, as soon as possible for students who are registered on PLC courses as of Steptember, 1998. Provision for the payment of the first instalment of these grants has been included in the 1998 Estimates. An information leaflet setting out guideline information about the introduction of PLC grants was distributed by my Department in early February.

The introduction of maintenance grants for students attending PLC courses involves the development of significant new administrative arrangements. While the method and timing of these payments may take some time to finalise, I assure the Deputies that they will be made and they will fully meet our commitments. I expect to be in a position to announce further details on the administration of the scheme in the near future.