Vol. 564 No. 1
201 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if the higher education grants are available to qualifying students to complete the higher diploma in education for primary teaching, if those students already hold a primary degree and H.Dip qualification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8946/03]
Under the terms of the higher education grants scheme, a student is not eligible for grant assistance in respect of a second period of study at the same level, irrespective of whether a grant was paid previously. The scheme also provides that grants may not be paid to candidates who already hold a postgraduate qualification and are pursuing a second postgraduate qualification.
Notwithstanding this condition, candidates who already hold a postgraduate qualification and are progressing to a further postgraduate course at a higher level, which represents progression from the level at which the previous postgraduate qualification or qualifications were attained, may be deemed eligible for grant aid.
As the case cited by the Deputy does not involve progression at postgraduate level, the students in question would not be eligible for grant assistance, under the terms of the grants scheme.
