Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 28 Feb 1995

Vol. 449 No. 7

Written Answers. - Higher Education Authority Grants.

Hugh Byrne

Ceist:

151 Mr. H. Byrne asked the Minister for Education the present position regarding fees and Higher Education Authority grants for the Mater Dei Institute, Dublin; if Higher Education Authority grants will continue to be made available for eligible students; the other private educational colleges which are eligible for Higher Education Authority grants; and, in each case, since when and the reason they are eligible; the plans, if any, she has to include Mater Dei or any other private institutions currently eligible for Higher Education Grants in the free fee scheme; in relation to the abolition of fees, if the Higher Education Authority grant schemes, or fee element of it are to be abolished; the effect, if any, this will have on Higher Education Authority grant assisted students at Mater Dei and like institutions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4249/95]

Colm M. Hilliard

Ceist:

165 Mr. Hilliard asked the Minister for Education if she will make a statement on the fact that approximately 160 students, who receive their third-level education at the Mater Dei Institute do not qualify for third-level grants; and if such students will be included in the new overall free fees scheme. [4320/95]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 151 and 165 together.

Students pursuing the full-time Bachelor of Religious Science course at Mater Dei Institute are at present eligible and will continue to be eligible for higher education grants for both fees and maintenance.

Certain courses have been recognised for student support purposes in the following colleges which are not publicly funded. The academic year in which they received recognition is indicated in brackets. Royal College of surgeons in Ireland (1968); Montessori College (A.M.I.), Mount St. Mary's, Milltown, Dublin 14, (1988-89); Milltown Institute of Theology and Philosophy (1992-93); All Hallows, Drumcondra, Dublin (1992-93); Pontifical University, Maynooth (1986-87); Mater Dei Institute of Education, Dublin (1986-87); Incorporated Law Society of Ireland, Blackhall Place (1977-78); The Honourable Society of Kings Inn, Dublin (1977-78).

The courses in these institutions were approved having regard to the criteria and standards necessary under the student support schemes. The approval process also had regard to the fact that the institutions were providing the courses primarily for educational and/or professional training purposes.

The decision to abolish fees for full time undergraduate courses in publicly funded institutions will not affect the provision of maintenance grants under the schemes of third level student support.The schemes will also provide tuition fee grants for those courses eligible at present which do not come within the ambit of the proposals to abolish fees.

Representations have been made to me about the position of Mater Dei and certain other institutions which would not be eligible on the basis of providing for the abolition of fees in publicly funded institutions. I am considering these representations at present and will convey my decision in due course.

Questions regarding covenants are a matter for the Minister for Finance. He has announced his intention to allow tax relief on fees paid to private colleges in respect of approved courses. This relief will be introduced for the academic year 1996-97.