Vol. 572 No. 2
121 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science the funding available for a mature student to take a one year diploma course in addiction studies at TCD; if support is available from other Departments; and if there is a need to review course funding in this regard. [22703/03]
Under the free fees initiative, my Department meets the tuition fees of eligible students who are attending full-time undergraduate courses of at least two years duration at approved colleges. Eligible students are those who are first-time undergraduates, are EU nationals and have been ordinarily resident in an EU member state for at least three of the five years preceding their entry to an approved course.
The third level student support schemes administered by the local authorities and the vocational education committees under the aegis of my Department, offer financial assistance to eligible students attending approved third level courses. Students entering approved courses for the first time are, generally speaking, eligible for grants where they satisfy the relevant conditions as to age, residence, means, and nationality. An approved course for the purpose of the schemes means a full-time undergraduate course of not less than two years' duration and a full time postgraduate course of not less than one year's duration pursued in an approved institution.
My Department understands that the diploma in addiction studies is a one year course at undergraduate level and, accordingly, does not qualify for grant aid under the above schemes.
There are no plans to extend the scope of the schemes to include one-year undergraduate courses. My Department is not aware of supports from other Departments in respect of the course referred to by the Deputy.
