Vol. 423 No. 1
209 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Education the reason a person who completed a post graduate course in Ireland and wishes to further their education, is not eligible for a higher education grant while a person who completed a post graduate course outside of Ireland and wishes to further their education is eligible for a higher education grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Under the terms of the higher education grants scheme, a person who has obtained a primary degree may have a grant continued or be considered for a grant in order to pursue an approved post-graduate course.
However, a person who has already pursued a post-graduate course in third level State-funded institution in Ireland is deemed ineligible for the award of a higher education grant to pursue other post-graduate courses on the basis that the State has already subsidised the person to achieve post-graduate qualifications. This restriction does not apply to a person who pursued a post-graduate course outside the State without any assistance from State funds.
210 Mr. E. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Education the reason for the delay in having a higher education grant paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
Cork County Council is the body statutorily entrusted with the administration of the higher education grants scheme in this case. It is understood by my Department that the council decided in June 1992 to pay a grant to the person concerned in October 1992 for the 1991-92 year. I refer the Deputy to the council for any further information he may require in this matter.
