Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 29 Apr 1999

Vol. 504 No. 1

Written Answers. - Higher Education Grants Scheme.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

95 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will give grant eligibility to students attending the Irish School of Ecumenics; if he will consider this development in the context of the peace process for Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11227/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

The higher education grants scheme operates under the Local Authorities (Higher Education Grants) Acts, 1968 to 1992. An approved institution is defined to mean a university, university college or other institution of higher education in so far as it provides a course or courses of not less than two years duration, being a course or courses of which the Minister for Education and Science approves for the time being for the purposes of the Acts.

The annual higher education grants scheme which I approve sets out a list of approved institutions for the purposes of the scheme. The approved institutions mainly comprise the publicly-funded third level institutions. However, there are a number of religious and other institutions that have been admitted to the scheme over the years.

I understand that the Irish School of Ecumenics offers two courses at postgraduate level in ecumenical studies and peace studies, with the awards being made by Trinity College Dublin. I further understand that the school is in formal discussions with Trinity College Dublin, with a view to a more structured relationship with the college. The higher education grants scheme is reviewed annually and I have asked my officials to consider the position of the Irish School of Ecumenics in that context, having regard to any developments in relation to the school.

My Department allocated £100,000 to the Irish School of Ecumenics in 1995. Since then, significant allocations have been made. In 1997 and 1998, grants of £270,000 and £250,000 respectively were paid to the institute. Provision has also been made for a grant of £250,000 to the institute for 1999.