Vol. 515 No. 2
228 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if graduates who undertake the special course to train as primary school teachers qualify for higher education fees and maintenance grants; and, if not, the reason this grant aid may not be available. [5659/00]
The special course referred to by the Deputy is the graduate diploma in education, primary teaching, offered by St. Patrick's College, Drumcondra, Mary Immaculate College of Education, Limerick, Froebel College of Education, Blackrock and Colaiste Mhuire in Marino.
This 18 month course involves both college-based study and teaching practice. Graduates pursuing this course are eligible for maintenance and tuition fee grants under the higher education grants scheme. However, under the terms of this scheme, grants are not payable to candidates who already hold a postgraduate qualification and are pursuing a second postgraduate qualification.
