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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 8 Nov 2000

Vol. 525 No. 3

Written Answers. - Higher Education Grants.

Noel Ahern

Question:

412 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Education and Science the grants which are available to people doing a part-time degree or other educational courses; if he will consider improving these benefits and introduce free fees similar to those given to full-time students as part time students working have made a commitment to the economy and will use their skills to the advantage of society and the economy; and if he will make a statement in relation to the need for greater encouragement and recognition of them. [25245/00]

Under the terms of the third level student support schemes, maintenance grants are tenable in respect of approved full-time undergraduate courses of not less than two year's duration or a full-time postgraduate course of at least one year's duration in an approved institution. There are no plans at present to extend the terms of the student support schemes to include part-time courses.

The question of introducing free fees for part time students generally, similar to those given to full-time students, could only be considered having regard to overall resource constraints and other competing demands in the education sector. However, the White Paper on Adult Education, Learning for Life, indicates that arrangements will be implemented so that higher education fees, in respect of certain courses, will not apply to part time students, who satisfy the residency clause, and who are social welfare means-tested or unemployment payment recipients or dependants, medical card holders or dependants, persons in receipt of family income supplement or dependants.

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