Vol. 520 No. 1
368 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will review the provision of third level grant assistance for students attending chiropractic courses in the United Kingdom; his views on whether these students should get financial assistance as students attending courses here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14876/00]
In 1996, the student support schemes were extended to provide maintenance grants to undergraduate students pursuing approved third level courses in other EU member states. Prior to this, grants were only payable to students who were pursuing approved courses in the Republic and Northern Ireland. In general, the approved courses in other EU member states are full-time undergraduate courses of not less than two years duration pursued in a university or third level institution which is maintained or assisted by recurrent grants from public funds. Courses in colleges akin to private commercial colleges in Ireland are not approved for the purpose of the schemes.
I understand that the course to which the Deputy refers is in a private college and is not an approved course under the terms of the student support schemes.
