Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 March 2004
201 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will review the request by a person (details supplied) to recognise the dental nursing one year certificate course at the Belfast Institute of Further Education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8256/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraGrants under my Department's higher education grant scheme and vocational education committees scholarship scheme are tenable in respect of 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 in another EU member state. With regard to colleges of further and higher education in the UK and Northern Ireland, generally speaking, an approved course means a course at higher national diploma, HND, level or higher. As the course referred to by the Deputy does not meet the definition of an approved course for the purposes of the schemes, it cannot be recognised for grant assistance.
The terms and conditions of the schemes are reviewed by my Department annually and revised where necessary. Additional courses may be approved under the schemes only where they meet the prescribed definition of an approved course.
