Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 March 2013
111. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider designating Ballyfermot College of Further Education, Dublin, an approved third level institution for the purposes of the student grant where it is delivering an honours bachelor degree which is accredited by a university which offers courses which qualify for student grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14540/13]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that Ballyfermot College of Further Education (BCFE) is an approved Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) centre which is managed and funded by City of Dublin Vocational Educational Committee (CDVEC) from funding provided by my Department. Post Leaving Certificate Centres provide further education courses up to Level 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). However, my Department has facilitated the provision by BCFE of a media production course accredited by a third level institution at Level 8 on the NFQ for a number of years and continues to do so as an exceptional measure.
Section 7 of the Student Support Act, 2011 outlines the position with regard to approved institutions for the purposes of student grants. BCFE is comprehended within Section 7(1)(d) of the Act as an education institution in the State in receipt of grants out of moneys provided by the Oireachtas for the provision of post-leaving certificate courses. I have no plans to designate further education centres as approved third level institutions for the purposes of the student grant scheme.
