Rory O'Hanlon
Ceist:167 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will recognise a course at a college (details supplied) in Northern Ireland for grant aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29363/01]
Written Answers. - Higher Education Grants.
The higher education grants scheme administered by the various local authorities, under the aegis of my Department, offers financial assistance to eligible students attending approved third level courses in approved institutions, including certain institutions in Northern Ireland.
An approved course, for the purposes of the HEG scheme is, generally speaking, a full-time undergraduate course of not less than two years duration or a full-time postgraduate course of not less than one year duration pursued in an approved third level institution. The institutions approved under the scheme, are, generally speaking, publicly funded third level colleges offering full-time courses at undergraduate and postgraduate level.
Each year, the approved third level institutions are listed in the HEG scheme. The only two courses at St. Mary's College, Belfast currently approved under the scheme are the B.Ed degree of the Queens University, Belfast and the postgraduate certificate in education. The BA in liberal arts is not at present an approved course for the purposes of the scheme.
Securing approval under the higher education grant scheme is a matter, in the first instance, for the relevant authorities in the college. Should the college in question apply to my Department for recognition of this course, the request will be considered, with reference to the definition of an approved course under the scheme.