Seán Ardagh
Question:276 Mr. Ardagh asked the Minister for Education and Science if a higher education grant application by a person (details supplied) can be examined; and his views on points raised therein (details supplied). [22935/03]
Written Answers. - Higher Education Grants.
Under the terms of my Department's 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 was attained, may be deemed eligible for grant aid.
As the case cited by the Deputy does not involve progression at postgraduate level for purposes of the scheme, the student in question is not eligible for grant assistance under the terms of the scheme. My Department does not accept the points made by the student in question regarding postgraduate progression in the context of the scheme and a detailed response on the points raised will issue to the student.