Vol. 500 No. 1
416 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 170 of 28 January 1999, his attention has been drawn to the fact that the degree course previously followed by the person concerned was not grant aided and was not at an Irish university and, consequently, he may be eligible for lecture and maintenance fees in this instance at Trinity College; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3604/99]
Under the terms of the third level student support schemes, maintenance grants are not payable to candidates who already hold an undergraduate degree and are pursuing a second undergraduate degree. Similarly tuition fees under the free fees initiative, are not payable in respect of a second period of college attendance on a course at the same level. These restrictions apply to every student who already holds a qualification at any level, irrespective of where that qualification was obtained.
As the student referred to by the Deputy already holds a degree from Leeds University, he is, therefore, ineligible for a higher education grant or to benefit under the free fees initiative in respect of the degree course he is currently pursuing at Trinity College Dublin.
417 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps, if any, he has taken to deal with the difficulties being experienced by student nurses undertaking the fourth year of their degree in nursing at the National University of Ireland, Galway; and if his attention has been drawn to the fact that these students are the only full-time undergraduated students in a State-funded college paying tuition fees. [3607/99]
As the Deputy will be aware, the revised programme for basic pre-registration nurse education and training which was introduced in October 1994 is funded by the Department of Health and Children. Successful completion of the three year programme leads to a diploma in nursing studies and students are eligible to register with An Bord Altranais for employment as a nurse.
Furthermore, the Commission on Nursing has recommended that the future framework for the pre-registration education of nurses should be based on a four year degree programme and a forum, involving the third level institutions, the schools of nursing, health services providers and An Board Altranais is being established by the Minister for Health and Children to agree a strategy for the implementation of degree level pre-registration nursing education and training.
