asked the Minister for Education if she will examine the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8 who is a student in Bolton Street College of Technology who can no longer live with his parents and lives in private rented accommodation and who has been informed that he is not entitled to the higher rate of grant; and whether this is discrimination which was never intended under the conditions of the European Social Fund.
Written Answers. - Higher Grant Rate Eligibility.
281.
The scheme of grants for persons attending ESF-aided technician training courses in regional technical colleges and colleges of technology is governed by certain conditions. These conditions provide, inter alia, that the lower rate of grant applies in the case of every trainee whose normal family residence is within 15 miles of the college in which they are pursuing a training course and in the case of those who travel, or could reasonably be expected to travel, daily between their homes and the college.
The higher rate of grant may be paid only to those, not covered by the above conditions, who are obliged to stay overnight in a college town.
In the circumstances I am satisfied that the lower rate of grant is applicable in the case of the person referred to by the Deputy.