Paudie Coffey
Question:69. Deputy Paudie Coffey asked the Minister for Education and Skills the grants that are available for students attending colleges of further education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53462/13]
View answerThursday, 12 December 2013
Questions (69)
Written answers
The main financial support available to students attending further education is my Department's Student Grant Scheme. Under the student grant scheme, eligible candidates may receive funding provided they are attending an approved course at an approved institution and meet the prescribed conditions of funding, including those which relate to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means.
The BTEA is a second chance education opportunities scheme designed to enable participation in second and third level education by allowing eligible people on certain social welfare payments to continue to receive a payment while pursuing an approved full-time education course that leads to a higher qualification than that already held.
Eligibility for the Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) and associated payments is determined and administered by the Department of Social Protection.
The Fund for Students with Disabilities (FSD) provides funding to both further and higher education institutions for the provision of services and supports for full-time students with disabilities. The Fund aims to ensure that students can participate fully in their academic programmes and are not disadvantaged by reason of a disability.
A claim under the Fund is made on behalf of an eligible student by their college following an assessment of need. Applications cannot be made directly to the Fund by students. Colleges are also responsible for the management of the funding approved for eligible students.
The Fund for Students with Disabilities is managed by the HEA on behalf of my Department.