Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 18 May 1999

Vol. 504 No. 7

Written Answers. - Third Level Fees.

Donal Carey

Question:

49 Mr. D. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on the fact that students undertaking the National Diploma in Humanities, Video Production at the Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology do not qualify for free fees and maintenance grants. [12834/99]

Derek McDowell

Question:

60 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on the fact that students undertaking the National Diploma in Humanities, Video Production at the Galway/Mayo Institute of Technology do not qualify for free fees and maintenance grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12801/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

I propose to answer Questions Nos. 49 and 60 together.

To qualify for assistance under the third level student support schemes, a student must generally be pursuing a full-time undergraduate course of at least two years' duration or a postgraduate course of at least one year's duration. Similarly, under the free fees initiative, tuition fees are payable in respect of eligible students who are attending full-time undergraduate courses, other than European Social Fund aided courses, which must generally be of at least two years' duration, at approved third level institutions.

Being a one year course, this course is not covered by the arrangements which have been in existence for many years.

I understand that even if this course were to be approved for the purposes of the third level student support schemes and the free fees initiative, the majority of students participating on the course would be ineligible for assistance as they are required to hold an NCEA recognised diploma or a higher level qualification in any discipline. Under the terms of the third level student support schemes, candidates who have previously pursued an undergraduate course approved for the purposes of the schemes are not eligible for grant assistance until they have completed an equivalent period of study at undergraduate level, irrespective of whether or not a grant was paid previously. These provisions are designed to avoid the payment of grants to students who repeat year levels on different courses. In this regard, there is provision within the schemes for students who hold a national certificate or diploma to progress to degree level courses. Second chance students, who having attended but not successfully completed approved courses and who are returning to pursue approved courses at the same level following a break of at least five years, are also eligible.

Finally, I would mention to the Deputies that, as an exceptional matter in the 1997-98 year, grant aid was provided to and fees paid on behalf of students attending this course as the students concerned had been advised by the college authorities that the course was eligible for assistance. My Department notified the college authorities and the vocational education committees that the exceptional arrangement applied only to students pursuing the course in the 1997-98 academic year.