Deirdre Clune
Ceist:139 Ms Clune asked the Minister for Education and Science if funding will be provided for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8439/01]
Written Answers. - Departmental Funding.
The revised programme for basic pre-registration nurse education and training, which was introduced in October 1994 and has been fully operational since 1998, is funded by the Department of Health and Children. In order to qualify for financial assistance under the third level student support schemes operated by my Department, a person must pursue a full-time undergraduate course, which must generally be of at least two years duration, at an approved third level institution.
Under the free fees initiative, the Department meets the tuition fees of eligible students who are attending full-time undergraduate courses, which must be of at least two years duration, at approved colleges. The person referred to by the Deputy is pursuing an undergraduate course by distance learning, which is not regarded as full-time study, at a college which is not an approved third level institution for purposes of the third level student support schemes. Accordingly, he is ineligible for grant assistance under those schemes.
Tax relief is available for tuition fees paid by students who are attending certain third level colleges. Such students or their parents, as appropriate, can avail of tax relief at the standard rate on tuition fees paid in respect of part-time undergraduate courses of at least two years duration in such colleges, provided that both the college and the course satisfy the prescribed codes of standards and are approved by the Minister for Education and Science. Further details and conditions in relation to tax relief are available from each individual's local tax office.