Vol. 506 No. 5
265 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a person (details supplied) completing a course of two years at Cork dental school is not eligible for a VEC grant, a higher education grant or a third level allowance when a similar course is offered in Dublin with a full third level grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16032/99]
Inquiries have been made with the local authorities and vocational education committees in Cork and Mayo and I understand that there is no record of an application for financial assistance having been received from this student. Accordingly, she should be advised to apply to Mayo County Council in order to have her eligibility for a third level maintenance grant assessed.
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 – ESF – aided courses, which must generally be of at least two years duration, at approved third level institutions. I understand that the Higher Educational Authority is in discussions with the college authorities regarding the eligibility of this course for inclusion in the free fees initiative. The question of the student's eligibility for a back to education allowance should be addressed to the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs.
