Paul Bradford
Ceist:147 Mr. Bradford asked the Minister for Education if a person (details supplied) in County Cork can be awarded a higher education grant in respect of the academic year, 1991-92.
Written Answers. - Higher Education Grant.
I understand that the person in question was awarded a higher education grant of full fees plus the maximum maintenance grant, adjacent rate, as a mature student under the 1992 scheme in respect of the 1992-93 and 1993-94 academic years.
She is not eligible for the award of a grant in respect of the 1991-92 academic year. The relevant scheme for that academic year was the 1991 scheme and she was ineligible for grant aid under that scheme. The special provisions to enable mature students to be awarded higher education grants were introduced in 1992. Commencement of eligibility for these grants was restricted subject to relevant conditions to (i) mature students, commencing approved courses in 1992 and (ii) mature students, in respect only of attendance at a second or subsequent year of an approved course commencing in 1992.
I would refer the Deputy to Cork County Council, which is the body statutorily entrusted with the administration of the scheme in this instance, for any further information he may require.