Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 March 2004
266 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties encountered by a person (details supplied) in County Sligo in regard to financial assistance while at college; if he will ensure that this funding is granted in light of the circumstances outlined; the avenues available to him to secure funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8858/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the terms of my Department's higher education grant schemes, the position is that, generally speaking, students entering approved courses for the first time are eligible for grants where they satisfy the relevant conditions as to age, residence, means, nationality and previous academic attainment. An approved course for the purpose of the higher education grant schemes means a full-time undergraduate course of not less than two years' duration and a full-time postgraduate course of not less than one year's duration pursued in an approved institution. An MA qualifier is not an approved course for the purposes of the schemes.
Accordingly, the candidate referred to by the Deputy is not eligible to receive a higher education grant in respect of this course. He may be considered for grant assistance after successful completion of the MA qualifier and admission to the masters degree course subject to the prescribed terms and conditions of the schemes. The back to education allowance, BTEA, is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Deputy Coughlan.
