Vol. 513 No. 3
321 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will amend the third level maintenance scheme to provide that persons holding an NCEA qualification can access financial supports to enable them to pursue higher education courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2467/00]
I understand that the Deputy's question relates to the ESF aided third level courses maintenance grants scheme for trainees. 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. In general a student can receive grant aid for the approved duration of one ESF aided course. However, subject to a maximum duration of four years in all, a student can be grant aided where, he or she having passed, failed or not completed the first year of a course, wishes to transfer to a different course. In these circumstances the student can be grant aided for the normal duration of the new course.
Similarly, students who receive grant aid for a one year ESF aided course and are progressing to a further course can be assisted for the subsequent two or three years of a related MLT course or HTBS course. Students who are grant aided for a two year MLT course and having successfully competed the course gain admission, by exemption, to year two of an indirectly related HTBS course, can be grant aided for the remaining two years of that course. Furthermore, students who are grant aided for a two year MLT course can be grant-aided for the third "add-on" year of a related HTBS course. Outside of these circumstances, students are not eligible for grant assistance for two unrelated ESF aided courses.
