Vol. 488 No. 4
300 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposals, if any, he has to ensure that students of the Open University can continue their studies without incurring additional financial outlay in view of the recent reports suggesting that the British Government intends to withdraw grants or supports for Irish students of the Open University; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6105/98]
The Open University receives a grant from the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) which subsidises the tuition fee charged to all students including Irish students. As the Deputy has suggested, the future of this funding is currently being considered by the HEFCE. However, the Open University has advised my Department that the tuition fee charged to Irish students will not increase for their 1999 academic year, which coincides with the calendar year.
Tax relief will, of course, continue to be available to Irish students pursuing approved courses with the Open University.
301 Mr. M. Moynihan asked the Minister for Education and Science whether a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive a higher education grant. [6106/98]
The student, referred to by the Deputy, applied to County Cork vocational education committee for a grant under the European social fund-aided maintenance grant scheme for trainees.
I understand from County Cork VEC that the student concerned has been awarded a part maintenance (50 per cent) grant and that her parents' reckonable income is over the income limit for the award of a full grant.
302 Mr. M. Moynihan asked the Minister for Education and Science the decision of his Department on the higher education grant application to Cork County Council by a person (details supplied) in County Cork in view of a decision of Mayo County Council in relation to sanction of an application for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [6107/98]
I have asked my Department to review the two decisions made by the local authorities concerned in the light of the information provided by the Deputy and I will advise the Deputy of the outcome of this review in due course.
