Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 October 2012
233. Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if there are any State or European funded grants that are specifically targeted at women who study engineering at third level here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46087/12]
View answerThere is no specific funding under the student grant scheme for women studying engineering at third level. They are however, eligible to apply for assistance provided they satisfy the terms and conditions in relation to nationality, residency, academic attainment and means. Previously Science Foundation Ireland, in conjunction with DELL, provided targeted scholarships to female students undertaking an undergraduate degree in engineering. This award programme has been running since 2006/07 but it is not envisaged that any new awards will be made in the current academic year. In addition, Discover Science and Engineering and the STEPS programme promote female participation in science and engineering and provide support to such initiatives on a continuous basis.
