John Perry
Ceist:1097 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will approve an application by a person (details supplied) in County Sligo for a higher education grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21800/01]
Written Answers. - Higher Education Grants.
Under the terms of the third level student support schemes, maintenance grants are not payable to candidates who already hold an undergraduate qualification and are pursuing a second undergraduate course at the same level, irrespective of whether or not funding was previously awarded. My Department understands that the student referred to by the Deputy already holds a national diploma in childhood studies from the North West Institute for Further and Higher Education, Derry. Accordingly, she is ineligible for a higher education grant in respect of a national diploma in humanities Montessori education in St. Nicholas Montessori college, Dún Laoghaire. Should the student in question progress to degree level or postgraduate level she will then be eligible to be considered for grant assistance subject to the terms of the relevant student support scheme.