Vol. 563 No. 4
297 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason the student assistance fund for third level institutions has been changed in 2002-03 to deny eligibility to students participating in foundation courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7822/03]
Financial support is available to students in approved third level institutions through my Department's student assistance fund. The objective of the fund is to assist those students who might, due to their financial circumstances, be unable to continue their third level studies. The fund is devolved to the third level institutions. The allocation under this fund in 2002, in respect of the 2002-03 academic year, was €8.935 million.
Since its introduction in 1994, when it was entitled the hardship fund, it was intended to confine eligibility to students participating on courses of not less than one-year duration leading to an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification. Foundation courses do not meet the criteria in this regard. The eligibility criteria issued in respect of the 2002-03 academic year confirmed this position. However, my Department has been made aware that, in the case of a number of third level institutions, awards have been made under the student assistance fund to students attending foundation courses.
In the light of representations on the matter, my Department is reviewing the eligibility criterion which precludes students currently attending foundation courses from receiving assistance under the fund. It is anticipated this review will be completed shortly.
