Vol. 522 No. 2
443 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science if nurses who qualified some years ago as State enrolled nurses - SEN - and who have to convert to RGNs in order to be able to take up employment here, in view of the fact they have to do this as a 12 month course in England at a considerable cost, will qualify for higher education grants, specifically under the mature section thereof; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18008/00]
In 1996 the student support schemes operated under the aegis of my Department were extended to provide maintenance grants to eligible undergraduate students pursuing approved third level courses in other EU member states. Approved courses for this purpose 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.
The 12 month conversion course in question does not meet the criteria for an approved course for the purposes of the student support schemes. Consequently, grant assistance under the schemes is not available in respect of this course.
