Vol. 507 No. 2
290 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a person (details supplied) in County Sligo will have to opt out of college and revert to the live register due to financial pressures; if the necessary finances will be made available to her to enable her to complete her last year in college; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16572/99]
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.
As the student referred to by the Deputy already holds a degree from the National University of Ireland, Galway she is ineligible for a higher education grant or to benefit under the free fees initiative in respect of the degree course she is currently pursuing at St. Patrick's College, Drumcondra, Dublin.
I understand that the student in question is in receipt of the back to education allowance of £73.50 per week from the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs. Finally, I would mention that my Department operates a hardship fund which is administered through the third level institutions. This fund is designed to assist students who might otherwise because of financial reasons suffer hardship or be unable to continue their third level studies. In this regard, the student in question should be advised to apply to the Bursar's Office, St. Patrick's College, Drumcondra.
