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. 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, on the basis that these courses in Ireland were subject to a quota based on policy decisions on the appropriate levels of graduate output.
As the person to whom the Deputy refers, is pursuing a B.Ed. honours primary education course in the United Kingdom she is ineligible for assistance under the terms of the student support schemes.
While my officials are reviewing the arrangements applying in relation to the excepted courses, I advise the Deputy that there are no exceptions to these arrangements, which are of general application.
Apart from the funds provided specifically for the schemes of student support there are no other funds at the disposal of my Department out of which financial assistance can be made available. However, the British Council in Ireland offers advice and assistance to Irish students studying in Britain. The council also has information on scholarships offered by the British Government to Irish students. The British Council offices are located at Newmount House, 22-24 Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2, telephone 01 6764088.
