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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 30 Jan 2002

Vol. 547 No. 1

Written Answers. - Student Support Schemes.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

1250 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science the grant assistance available for a person undertaking a degree in sports science and biology; if his Department awards grants in relation to tuition fees and maintenance for such a person undertaking this course; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1956/02

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. There are a number of excepted courses including those in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine and teacher training courses including those leading to the award of bachelor of education.

The sports science degree programme in the college in question is an approved course for purpose of the higher education grants scheme.

In order to qualify for grant assistance a candidate must satisfy the relevant conditions of the student support schemes in regard to age, residence, means and nationality. The candidate in question is advised to apply to the relevant local authority to have his or her eligibility for grant assistance assessed.
Grants are not payable in respect of tuition fees for courses attended outside of Ireland. However, since the introduction, in 1998, of undergraduate tuition fees in the UK, students from this State can apply to the relevant authorities in the UK for grant assistance towards their undergraduate tuition fee. My Department understands that students who apply through the Universities and Colleges Admission Services for courses in England and Wales receive a preliminary assessment form, which must be completed and returned to the appropriate authorities in order that their eligibility may be assessed. The person in question should be advised to complete and return this form to the relevant authorities.
Section 21 of the Finance Act 2000, as amended by section 29 of the Finance Act 2001, provides for the introduction of tax relief for undergraduate tuition fees paid in colleges outside of Ireland. This relief, which is available from the tax year 2000-01 onwards, will apply at the standard rate of tax. Further details and conditions in relation to this tax relief are available from local tax offices.
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