Vol. 445 No. 8
41 Mr. Bradford asked the Minister for Education if she will award third level grants to post-leaving certificate courses in view of the vital role they play in catering for school leavers entering third level education. [1150/94]
70 Mr. O'Malley asked the Minister for Education if she has responded to the suggestion from the Parents Association for Vocational Schools and Community Colleges that, from September 1995, students who are attending post leaving certificate courses and living away from home for the duration of these courses will receive similar maintenance grants to students attending Regional Technical Colleges [1057/94]
143 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Education if she will introduce maintenance grants for students on post-leaving certificate courses in view of the fact that currently these students, many of whom are children of unemployed parents who would qualify for third level grants, are the most needy of all post-leaving certificate students. [942/94]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 41, 70 and 143 together.
I would refer to my reply to Question matter generally. A means tested grants scheme to cover both fees and maintenance for students who participate in post-leaving certificate courses which are provided in schools and colleges outside the third level sector would cost of the order of £10 million per annum.
I am aware of the proposal from the Parents Association for Vocational Schools and Community Colleges in regard to grant for PLC students. I will be meeting with the National Parents Council in the near future and I expect that this proposal will be amplified by them.
