Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 November 2014
176. Deputy Gabrielle McFadden asked the Minister for Education and Skills if there are sources of appropriate funding for persons on long-term illness benefit studying part-time degree courses, since, as it stands, persons on long-term illness benefit may receive a back-to-education allowance or a Student Universal Support Ireland grant only if they are studying a full-time course. [42419/14]
View answerUnder the Student Grant Scheme, an approved course is defined as a full-time undergraduate course of at least two years duration or a full-time postgraduate course of not less than one year duration pursued in an approved institution.
In order to be considered for a grant a student is required, under Section 8 (1) (b) of the Student Support Act 2011, to be pursuing a full-time course. There are no plans at present to extend the scope of the student grant scheme to part-time courses, in the State or in another EU Member State.
Tax relief is available for fees for part-time courses. Full details of this relief are available from the Revenue Commissioners.
