Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 9 Dec 1999

Vol. 512 No. 5

Written Answers. - Third Level Fees.

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

115 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Education and Science the position on the payment of fees for persons (details supplied) attending colleges and institutes in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26501/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

My officials have investigated the individual cases referred to, together with a small number of similar cases involving students from Donegal attending courses in Northern Ireland.

The students in question applied, and were eligible, for maintenance grants from Donegal VEC in the 1998-99 academic year. The students were also, however, advised, in error, that they would also qualify for assistance from the VEC towards the recently introduced tuition fees. It has been established that the appropriate Education and Library Board in Northern Ireland will not provide assistance towards fees for these students in respect of the 1998-99 academic year. In the circumstances of these cases, approval for the payment of the relevant fees for the 1998-99 academic year as an exceptional once-off matter has been conveyed to County Donegal VEC.