asked the Minister for Education when he proposes to introduce a system of grants for those students who qualified for university scholarships but who opted for training as national school teachers and therefore forfeited their education grants.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers (Resumed). - Grants for National Schoolteacher Trainees.
105.
I would refer the Deputy to my reply to a similar question of 23rd July last.
Is the Minister aware that his predecessor in replying to a similar question about 12 months ago promised to introduce a scheme to benefit boys and girls who qualify for university scholarships and who opted to take training as teachers? He promised to bring in a scheme in October of this year to compensate them in some way.
I am waiting for a report from the Higher Education Authority on teacher training. Under present legislation higher education grants cannot be made available except in respect of courses which lead to a degree or its equivalent.
Does the Minister not agree that the Minister's predecessor made this promise 12 months ago? It is definitely unfair to these boys and girls who, if they availed of the scholarship, would qualify for £200 each, but who instead, opted to accept training as national teachers. Surely, they are entitled to some compensation?
Under present legislation there can be no question of awarding these grants in respect of courses that do not lead to a university degree or its equivalent.