asked the Minister for Education if he will provide that children over 16 years who are following a recognised course in apprenticeship or training leading to a skilled occupation be regarded as dependent children for the purpose of determining the amount of grant payable under the higher education grants scheme.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Higher Education Grants.
42.
Mr. R. Burke
Provision is made in the higher education grants scheme whereby a child over the age of 16 years who is attending a fulltime course of studies at an approved school is taken into consideration for the purpose of determining the amount of a grant under the scheme. I do not propose to extend this provision in order that apprentices who are in receipt of pay might be included as dependent children.
43.
asked the Minister for Education if he will provide that domestic science and physical education be included in the non-university courses acceptable for inclusion in the higher education grants scheme.
Mr. R. Burke
There are separate schemes, broadly similar to the higher education grants scheme, in operation by my Department to assist eligible students following recognised teacher-training courses in domestic science and physical education. I am, however, considering whether a suitable amendment may be made to the Higher Education Grants scheme so that all students following full-time courses at third-level might be catered for under that scheme subject, of course, to such provisions in relation to means or otherwise as may apply from time to time.
Can we take it the Minister intends amending the scheme fairly soon to allow for this?
It is a most praiseworthy move and one I would urge him to make as soon as possible.
Mr. R. Burke
I shall do it as soon as possible.
44.
asked the Minister for Education if he will make arrangements for the payment of higher education grants at the beginning of the academic year to all students who qualify.
Mr. R. Burke
Higher education grants are made up of a fee element and a maintenance element. The fee element is paid direct by the local authority to the institution at which the student is attending and the maintenance element is paid in such instalments and at such times as each local authority decides for the students in its own area. I would not accept that it would be feasible or desirable to pay the full grant to the student at the commencement of the academic year.