Michael Ring
Question:123 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved a third level grant. [28715/03]
Written Answers. - Higher Education Grants.
Under the terms of the third level student support schemes, maintenance grants are not payable to candidates who already hold an undergraduate degree and are pursuing a second undergraduate degree. Similarly, tuition fees under the free fees initiative are not payable in respect of a second period of college attendance on a course at the same level. These restrictions apply to every student who already holds a qualification at any level, irrespective of where that qualification was obtained. As the student referred to by the Deputy already holds an undergraduate degree, he is ineligible for a higher education grant or to benefit under the free fees initiative in respect of a second undergraduate degree course.
Section 473A of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provides for tax relief on tuition fees, at the standard rate in respect of approved courses at approved colleges of higher education, including certain approved undergraduate and postgraduate courses in European Union and non-European Union member states. The maximum level of qualifying fee for tax relief purposes in the current academic year 2003-04 is €3,175. Further details and application forms to claim tax relief on tuition fees are available from the Revenue Commissioners.
My Department also administers a fund for students with disabilities, funded by the Government under the National Development Plan 2000-2006 with assistance from the European Social Fund. The fund aims to assist students with disabilities attending courses in approved third level institutions and in post-leaving certificate centres to participate in further and higher education. Assistance is provided to assist students who have serious ongoing, sensory, physical and-or communicative disabilities. Application for assistance should be made by the student's institution or post-leaving certificate college. Students are advised to contact the access-disability officer in their institution or the principal in their post-leaving certificate college to discuss their particular disability and the equipment or services required.