Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 17 Nov 1998

Vol. 496 No. 6

Written Answers - Higher Education Grants.

Michael Finucane

Question:

445 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for Education and Science the higher education grant status for post leaving certificate courses for progression from National Council for Education Awards level two certificate to level three certificate in child care; and the eligibility of applicants to higher education grants. [23866/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

As the National Council for Educational Awards does not validate any post-leaving certificate courses, I presume the Deputy is referring to the National Council for Vocational Awards level 2 and level 3 qualifications, as awarded for successful completion of a plc course.

The maintenance grants scheme for students attending post-leaving certificate courses which issued to the vocational education committees in August last, precluded candidates who already held an NCVA level 2 or level 3 qualification.

Subsequently, it was decided, in line with the practice which obtains in the third level student support schemes, to allow for progression from NCVA level 2 courses to NCVA level 3 courses. Therefore, anyone who has already completed an NCVA level 2 course and is now progressing to pursue a course at NCVA level 3, is eligible to apply for grant assistance under the European social fund aided maintenance grants scheme for post-leaving certificate courses.

This decision was communicated to relevant VEC officers at a meeting between Department staff and VEC staff in September last and will be formally communicated in a letter which is due to issue shortly to all vocational education committees clarifying a number of issues which have arisen in relation to the administration of that scheme.