Vol. 551 No. 4
264 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science his policy in relation to the funding of students in part-time third-level courses; the plans to allow this group qualify for maintenance grants or free fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10890/02]
Under the terms of the third level maintenance grants schemes, grants are tenable in respect of approved full-time undergraduate courses of not less than two years' duration or full-time postgraduate courses of at least one year's duration in an approved institution. There are no plans at present to extend the terms of the maintenance grant schemes to include part-time courses.
Under the free fees initiative, the State meets the tuition costs of eligible students who are attending full-time undergraduate courses, which must generally be of at least two years duration, at approved colleges. The question of introducing free fees for part-time students, 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. Tax relief is available in respect of tuition fees paid in respect of approved part-time courses. This relief applies at the standard rate of tax. Further details and conditions in relation to this tax relief are available from local tax offices.
Question No. 265 answered with Question No. 262.
Question No. 266 answered with Question No. 227.
