Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 18 May 1999

Vol. 504 No. 7

Written Answers. - Higher Education Grants.

Frances Fitzgerald

Question:

336 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Education and Science if a person (details supplied) in County Cork is eligible to receive the non-adjacent rate grant for the period covering the second and third terms of the academic year when he is not resident at his normal place of residence and is studying away from home. [12572/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

Under the terms of the higher education grants scheme, the adjacent rate of maintenance grant is payable in the case of a grant holder whose normal residence is 15 miles or less from the college which he/she is attending. The non-adjacent rate of maintenance grant is payable in all other cases. I understand that the student referred to by the Deputy qualifies for the adjacent rate of grant.

Grant holders who are required to participate in off-campus placement as an integral part of their course may have their grant entitlement paid in the normal manner. However, there is no provision in the higher education grants scheme for the adjustment of the rate of grant payable during a student's work placement.

This said, I am examining the situation and will inform the Deputy if there are any developments.