Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 10 Nov 1998

Vol. 496 No. 3

Written Answers. - Higher Education Grants.

Liam Aylward

Ceist:

408 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Education and Science the discussions, if any, between his Department and County Kilkenny VEC regarding an ESF maintenance grant for 1999 to 2000 for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [22427/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

The ESF-aided middle level technician programme consists of one and two year courses up to national certificate level and the higher technical/business skills programme consists of three year national diploma and one year "add-on" diploma level courses. The programmes apply to those who require higher level initial education and training to enhance their employment prospects.

The European Social Fund-aided maintenance grants scheme applies to eligible students attending such courses. Candidates are ineligible for an award under this scheme if they have completed more than the first year of a degree level course. As the student in question has completed the first year of a science degree course at National University of Ireland Dublin and part of the second year, she is ineligible for funding under the terms of the European Social Fund-aided maintenance grants scheme. I understand from County Kilkenny VEC that on 14 October 1998 the student in question was incorrectly advised that she would qualify for grant assistance from the second year of her diploma course in 1999-2000. Following discussions with officials of my Department on 15 October, a letter issued from the VEC advising the student of the correct situation in accordance with the terms of the ESF-aided maintenance grants scheme.