Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 20 Feb 1996

Vol. 461 No. 7

Written Answers. - Grant Scheme Extension.

Seamus Brennan

Ceist:

187 Mr. S. Brennan asked the Minister for Education what plans, if any, she has to extend the higher education grant scheme to cater for part-time students, who feel they are being discriminated against, in view of the fact that they are not entitled to grants as they are in full-time employment and they are not entitled to free or reduced fees because they are in part-time education, and cannot offset fees as expenses or allowances against taxable income, and are subsidising free third level education for full-time students; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3542/96]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

Because of limited resources it is necessary to restrict the schemes of student support to full-time third level students who are pursuing approved courses. Expenditure on student support in 1995 was in excess of £100 million.

I hope that as resources become available it will be possible to provide greater Exchequer support for part-time undergraduate students.