Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 8 Feb 2000

Vol. 513 No. 6

Written Answers. - Higher Education Grants.

Jim Higgins

Question:

78 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will amend clause 7.7 of the higher education grant scheme which states that grants shall not be paid to candidates who already hold a post graduate qualification and are pursuing a second post graduate qualification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3062/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

The clause in the higher education grants scheme, referred to by the Deputy, precludes candidates who already hold a postgraduate qualification and are pursuing a second post-graduate qualification from receiving a grant in respect of the second post-graduate course. An exception is made in the case of candidates who, on completing a one year post-graduate course which has not led to the conferral of a qualification, are admitted to the second year of a post-graduate course. Grant aid for post-graduate students, under the scheme, is limited to a maximum of four years.

A number of cases have been brought to the attention of my Department to the effect that, where a student might otherwise be eligible to receive a grant, this clause may be unduly restrictive, especially where a student has obtained, possibly after one year's study, a qualification at one post-graduate level and then wishes to progress to a higher level of post-graduate study.

My Department is currently examining the issue and in the light of this examination, I will consider whether any relaxation of the current provisions is feasible.