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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 26 Feb 1991

Vol. 405 No. 6

Written Answers. - Student Grants.

Theresa Ahearn

Ceist:

200 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Education if she intends to simplify the operation of the ESF grants in order to ensure speedier payment to the colleges; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Student grants in respect of courses run in the regional technical colleges and colleges of technology for which part funding is obtained from the European Social Fund are paid out of Exchequer funds made available periodically to the college authorities by my Department. No complaints of delay in funding the colleges have been received by my Department.

Under the terms of the Departments ESF training grants scheme, grants are paid by the relevant VECs to trainees monthly in arrears. The scheme operates in VEC third-level colleges and payment of grant is a matter in the first instance for the VEC concerned whose responsibility it is to ensure prompt payment. My Department wrote most recently to each of the relevant VECs in October 1990 urging them to ensure prompt payments.

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