asked the Minister for Education why a student (name supplied) who was approved for a scholarship to the RTC, Athlone, by Cavan Vocational Education Committee has not received his scholarship.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Cavan Scholarship.
11.
Mr. R. Burke
The scheme in question for scholarships to regional technical colleges restricted eligibility to students who were commencing their studies at these colleges. The student concerned has already completed one year of such studies in 1974 and was, therefore, ineligible to enter into competition with commencing students for the year 1974-75.
Is the Minister aware that this student had the necessary academic qualifications for a scholarship to the Athlone RTC before his first year in the RTC commenced?
Mr. R. Burke
I am aware that the candidate in question was in error in applying to the County Longford VEC for a scholarship.
Is the Minister aware that the candidate applied to the Longford VEC in the erroneous belief that the scholarship would be available in the school of a county in which he was educated? The mistake could not be remedied because the final date for application had passed before he discovered his error.
Mr. R. Burke
I am aware of the circumstances.
Is the Minister aware that the Cavan VEC, because of the unique nature of this case and having regard to the prowess of this student, accepted that he should get a scholarship but that the Department turned it down?
Mr. R. Burke
The reason the Department turned down the request was that under the present rules governing awards of scholarships for regional technical colleges it is not open to us to approve the award of scholarships for second year students who are not in receipt of scholarships for the first year.
Is the Minister saying that the Cavan VEC applied for a scholarship for the second year? Is it not a fact that the committee applied for the scholarship for this very bright student, who is one of a large family living on a small farm, for the first year of his course?
Mr. R. Burke
Since he did not apply in time for the first year, it is not open for an application to be made in respect of the second year.
Is the Minister saying that, even with a recommendation from the local vocational education committee which knows the facts, in no circumstances will the Minister approve of a scholarship when this kind of error is made?
Mr. R. Burke
The Department of Education consider it unfair to allow students who have completed a year of third level education to compete for scholarships against secondary school leavers.
With respect to the Minister that is not the point at issue at all. I am talking about a scholarship for the first year. This was a specific error made by a pupil who was not properly instructed either by the Department or his school or the vocational education committee. There is not enough advertising of the facts about these, and I would be glad if the Minister would take space in the papers to advertise properly both for vocational and university scholarships and grants at this time of year.
Mr. R. Burke
I have on numerous occasions drawn attention to the desirability of giving publicity to the final dates for these competitions and I am glad the opportunity has again arisen to do so.