asked the Minister for Education if he will ensure that European Social Fund grants are paid to students on or before 1 November each year.
Written Answers. - European Social Fund Training Grants.
182.
European Social Fund special training grants, payable under the middle level technical programme, are paid to students monthly in arrears. Payment of grants is a matter in the first instance for the VEC in which the programme is being provided. My information is that the September and most of the October grants had been paid by 5 November in all VEC colleges with the exception of the colleges in one VEC area.
I would be concerned that any student should suffer hardship through non-receipt of grants and I will bring the matter to the attention of the VEC in question.