Michael Ring
Question:558 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has to introduce grant assistance for part-time study courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21143/99]
Written Answers. - Higher Education Grants.
Any proposal to extend the third level student support schemes to students pursuing part-time courses must be considered in the light of available financial resources and competing needs in the education sector.
In the 1997/98 academic year, there were more than 25,000 part-time students at third level. The steering committee on the future development of higher education considered the profile of part-time students in 1996-97 and found that almost 90 per cent of part-time students were in employment. In this context, I would point out that under section 475 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997, tax relief is available at the standard rate for tuition fees paid by eligible students who are attending approved part-time third level courses. Against this background, I have no immediate plans to extend the financial support schemes to part-time students.