Vol. 483 No. 3
378 Mr. Farrelly asked the Minister for Education and Science the individual cost to each local authority throughout the country for the administration of third level grants annually; the interest accrued while awaiting payment from his Department in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20257/97]
The costs connected with the higher education grants scheme are met by the individual local authorities. My Department does not allocate any funding to the local authorities to defray such costs and does not have the detailed information requested by the Deputy. However, my recent decision to move away from the reimbursement of local authorities on a year in arrears basis will significantly help them in the efficient administration of the system.
379 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will amend the higher education grants scheme clause 7(6) in order that a student who has not been in receipt of a grant at a particular level may qualify for a grant in respect of a second period of attendance at the same level of a course approved for the purposes of the higher education grants scheme of vocational education committee scholarship scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20258/97]
Under the terms of the higher education grants scheme, grants are payable in respect of eligible students, who are attending full-time undergraduate courses, which must generally be of at least two years duration, at approved third level institutions. Clause 7(6) of the scheme provides that grants are not payable to repeat students and students who are pursuing a second period of study at the same level of an approved course. This condition may be waived by the local authorities in exceptional circumstances such as cases of certified serious illness. Furthermore, second chance students, who having attended but not successfully completed approved courses and who are returning to pursue approved courses at the same level following a break of at least five years, are eligible for grants.
This clause also provides that students who already hold an undergraduate degree or postgraduate qualification are not eligible for a grant while they are pursuing a second undergraduate degree or postgraduate qualification, as appropriate. I have no plans at the present time to amend this clause.
