Higher Education Grants.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 October 2009

Tuesday, 6 October 2009

Questions (1170)

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

1270 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Fáilte Ireland has advised that it will no longer grant aid students on the advanced certificate in tourism hospitality studies course at Limerick Institute of Technology; if he will, in the circumstances, allow students who are commencing this course in 2009 to be considered for higher education grants; if there has been consultation between his Department and Fáilte Ireland on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34374/09]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)

The courses referred to by the Deputy are not eligible courses under my Department's student maintenance grant schemes, which provide for grants only on a means-tested basis.

I understand that discussions are currently ongoing between Fáilte Ireland, Institutes of Technology Ireland and the Higher Education Authority in relation to the future management and administration of these courses and the levels of award to be made to graduating students.