Jack Wall
Question:185 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare is entitled to a maintenance grant for a third level college; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4193/01]
Written Answers. - Higher Education Grants.
My Department understands from inquiries to Carlow Institute of Technology that the student in question is at present pursuing a national certificate course and had previously completed the first year of a degree course.
Under the terms of the third level maintenance grants for trainees (TLT) scheme a grant-holder may in general receive funding for one third level training aided course. However, subject to a maximum duration of four years in all, funding may be extended where a grant-holder who, having passed, failed or not completed the first year of a course, wishes to transfer to a different course. Such a grant-holder is eligible for a grant in respect of the normal duration of attendance on the new course. Accordingly, the student to whom the Deputy refers may submit a grant application for consideration under the terms of the TLT Scheme, to Kildare Vocational Educational Committee, the relevant body charged with the administration of the scheme in this case. It will be a matter for the VEC to determine the student's eligibility having regard to the other conditions of the scheme including, in particular, means.