Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 December 2012
174. Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Skills if there are any financial supports available for student teachers to facilitate their participation in the Gaeltacht placement programme where their means are limited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55268/12]
View answerAs part of the Government's budgetary considerations and the Comprehensive Expenditure Review last year, a decision was made to abolish the payment of grants by this Department towards the cost of student teachers' attendance at Gaeltacht courses. The decision came into effect for students commencing their programme of primary initial teacher education in the 2012/13 academic year. As the Deputy will be aware, priority is being given to protecting resources for front line services in the coming years.
This move brings the primary ITE courses more into line with other degree programmes where students are required to bear the costs of additional special requirements themselves.
The student grant is the main source of financial assistance available from the Irish State for students in full-time higher education undergraduate courses. Postgraduate students who meet the qualifying conditions for the special rate of grant will be eligible to have their post-graduate tuition fees paid up to the maximum fee limit. In addition, the field trip element of a fee grant may also be payable subject to the terms and conditions of the student grant scheme. A further limited number of students who would previously have qualified under the standard grant thresholds will qualify to have a contribution made towards the costs of their fees.
In circumstances of particular need students may apply for support under the Student Assistance Fund which assists students in third-level institutions in exceptional financial need. Information on the fund is available through the Access Officer in the third level institution attended. The Access Officers themselves will also continue to provide support and advice to students to enable them to continue with their studies.
