Vol. 516 No. 6
396 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding third level grants for students from this State attending third level colleges in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9000/00]
The third level student support schemes, administered by the local authorities and the vocational education committees under the aegis of my Department, offer financial assistance to eligible students attending approved third level courses. An approved course for the purpose of the schemes means a full-time undergraduate course of not less than two years' duration and a full time post-graduate course of not less than one year's duration pursued in an approved institution.
Students from this State who are attending undergraduate courses in Northern Ireland can apply for maintenance grants in respect of approved courses at higher national diploma level or higher, which are pursued in colleges approved for purpose of either the higher education grants scheme or the vocational education committees' scholarship scheme. Grants are not payable in respect of tuition fees paid at undergraduate level. However, since the introduction, in 1998, of undergraduate tuition fees in Northern Ireland, students from this State can apply to the relevant education and library board for grant assistance towards their undergraduate tuition fees.
Students pursuing approved postgraduate courses in Northern Ireland can apply for assistance under the higher education grants scheme and the vocational education committees' scholarship scheme in respect of maintenance grants and grants in respect of the cost of their tuition fees, subject to a maximum fee limit, which is currently £2,702.
I have arranged for copies of the current student grants schemes, which set out the approved institutions in Northern Ireland for purpose of the respective schemes, to be forwarded to the Deputy.
