Liam Aylward
Question:141 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Education and Science the grants, if any, which are available to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny towards his studies in a college in the UK. [15701/00]
Written Answers. - Grant Payments.
In 1996, the student support schemes were extended to provide maintenance grants to undergraduate students pursuing approved third level courses in other EU member states. Prior to this, grants were only payable to students who were pursuing approved courses in the Republic and Northern Ireland. In general, the approved courses in other EU member states are full-time undergraduate courses of not less than two years duration pursued in a university or third level institution, which is maintained or assisted by recurrent grants from public funds. There are however a number of excepted courses including those in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine and teacher training courses including those leading to the award of bachelor of education.
In order to qualify for grant assistance a candidate must satisfy the relevant conditions of the student support schemes in regard to age, residence, means and nationality. The candidate in question should be advised to apply to Kilkenny County Council to have his eligibility for grant assistance assessed.
Grants are not payable in respect of tuition fees paid in respect of attendance at courses outside of Ireland. However, since the introduction, in 1998, of undergraduate tuition fees in the UK students from this State can apply to the relevant authorities in the UK for grant assistance towards their undergraduate tuition fee. I understand that students who apply through the universities and colleges admission services, UCAS, for courses in England and Wales receive a preliminary assessment form which must be completed and returned to the appropriate authorities in order that their eligibility may be assessed. The candidate in question should be advised to complete and return this form to the relevant authorities without delay.
Since 1999-2000 tax relief is available at the standard rate of tax for tuition fees paid for full-time qualifying undergraduate courses in publicly funded universities or similar third level colleges in any EU member state. Further details on claiming this relief are available from local tax offices.