Third Level Fees.

Wednesday, 27 September 2006

Questions (1206)

Michael Ring

Question:

1278 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if there is funding available for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo to cover the cost of an educational course. [28791/06]

View answer

Written answers

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

Part-time courses are not approved courses under the terms of the Maintenance Grant Schemes.

Any extension of the student support schemes to part-time studies would have significant cost implications. I have no plans at present to extend the grant schemes to include part-time students.

Under my Department's Free Fees Initiative the Exchequer meets the tuition fees of eligible students who are attending approved full-time undergraduate third-level courses in the State. I have no plans at present to extend this schemes to include part-time students.