Vol. 508 No. 1
854 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Education and Science whether his attention has been drawn to the number of anomalies in the third level grants scheme particularly in relation to clause three of the 1999 scheme whereby a break of five years is needed between return to college while a three year break only is needed in other countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17669/99]
Since 1994 the higher education grants scheme and vocational education committees scholarship scheme have included a concession for 'second chance' students returning to college after a break of at least five years having previously pursued, but not completed, a third level course. This concession allows such students to be funded again for periods of study at the same level. Prior to 1994, a student did not receive financial assistance until they had completed the equivalent amount of time spent on their original course, irrespective of the length of time, which had elapsed between the two periods of college attendance. There are similar arrangements applying for 'second chance' students under the free fees initiative.
Data is not readily available in relation to the arrangements for second chance students, if any, under the student support arrangements in other EU countries. I have asked my officials to review the position of this category of students having regard to the practice in other EU countries. If the Deputy has any information, which may be of relevance in this regard, I would ask that he forward it to my officials. Finally, I would remind the Deputy that any extension of the third level student support schemes can only be considered in the light of overall resource constraints and the competing demands within the education sector.
