Fergus O'Dowd
Question:346 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Science if third level grants will be awarded to persons (details supplied) in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32997/04]
View answerTuesday, 14 December 2004
Questions (323)
Written answers
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 or not 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.
Clause 7.7 of the scheme does provide for financial assistance to eligible candidates who already hold a postgraduate qualification and who wish to enter a further postgraduate course at a higher level, which represents progression from the level at which the first qualification was attained. My Department understands that the students, referred to by the Deputy, hold masters degrees and, accordingly, as a higher diploma does not represent progression as defined in clause 7.7. of the scheme, these students are not eligible for grant assistance.
However, tax relief is available in respect of postgraduate fees paid in publicly funded colleges here and in other EU member states, as well as in private colleges in the State. This relief applies at the standard rate of tax and is available to full-time and part-time postgraduate students. Further details and conditions in relation to this tax relief are available from local tax offices.