Gay Mitchell
Ceist:1386 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science the assistance available to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6W. [2728/02]
Written Answers. - Student Support Schemes.
There is no grant aid available under the student support schemes operated by my Department for students, such as the student referred to by the Deputy, pursuing postgraduate studies in the USA. In 2001, the scope of tax relief provisions was extended to include postgraduate fees paid for third level education in private and publicly funded third level colleges in non-EU countries. Further details and application forms to claim tax relief on tuition fees are available from the Revenue Commissioners.
My Department understands that the student in question went abroad originally as the result of obtaining an athletic scholarship and, accordingly, she may wish to contact the Irish Sports Council, which operates under the aegis of my colleague, the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation, and which offers grant assistance under specific terms and criteria to talented young athletes studying abroad.