Michael Ring
Ceist:914 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the grants or assistance, if any, available to parents of gifted children to help their educational development. [1120/99]
Written Answers. - High Ability Students.
The Irish Centre for Talented Youth, based at Dublin City University since 1992, supports high ability students, their parents and teachers.
Over 1,400 students are assessed annually, with around 1,200 students annually taking classes in over 80 courses. Students are aged 8-16 years.
The annual budget for the centre is met from student fees, although no student has ever been turned away on the basis of fees. Any budget deficit is met by a combination of support from Dublin City University and donations from industry and educational foundations. In November 1996 the Department gave a once off grant of £30,000 to the centre.