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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 8 Mar 2000

Vol. 516 No. 1

Written Answers. - Third Level Institutions.

Question:

137 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has for introducing recommendations that courses in private colleges which have NCEA validation should be included for grant purposes to cover maintenance and fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7178/00]

The higher education grants scheme operates under the Local Authorities (Higher Education Grants) Acts, 1968 to 1992. An approved institution is defined to mean a university, university college or other institution of higher education in so far as it provides a course or courses of not less than two years duration, being a course or courses which the Minister for Education and Science approves for the time being for the purposes of the Acts.

The annual higher education grants scheme, which I approve, sets out a list of approved institutions for the purposes of the scheme. The approved institutions mainly comprise publicly funded third level institutions and a number of religious and other institutions that have been admitted to the scheme over the years. Any extension of the existing arrangements in relation to grants, to include courses in private colleges which have NCEA validation, can be considered only in the light of available resources and in the context of competing demands within the education sector.

Tax relief is available at the standard rate, on fees paid to private colleges in accordance with the provisions contained in section 6 of the Finance Act, 1995 and section 15 of the Finance Act, 1996.

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