Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 November 2004
499 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Education and Science if a higher education grant will be awarded to a person who is undertaking a degree course in physiotherapy at UCD even though they were forced previously to give up another degree course due to a brain haemorrhage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31397/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the terms of my Department's higher education grants scheme a student is not eligible for grant assistance in respect of a second period of study at the same level irrespective of whether or not a grant was paid previously. The scheme also provides that grants may not be paid to candidates who already hold an undergraduate degree and are pursuing a second undergraduate degree.
Similarly, tuition fees under the free fees initiative are not payable in respect of a second period of college attendance on a course at the same level. These restrictions apply to every student who already holds a qualification at the same level, irrespective of where that qualification was obtained.
My Department understands that the student referred to by the Deputy already holds an undergraduate degree. Accordingly, she is ineligible for a higher education grant or to benefit under the free fees initiative in respect of her current degree course in physiotherapy at UCD.
Tax relief, however, is available in respect of undergraduate fees paid in publicly funded colleges here and in other EU member states, as well as in private colleges in the State. This relief applies at the standard rate of tax and is available to full-time and part-time postgraduate students. Further details and conditions in regard to this tax relief are available from local tax offices.
Apart from the funding provided through the student support maintenance grant schemes, financial assistance is also available from my Department through the student assistance fund. The objective of the fund, which is ESF-aided, is to assist students, in a sensitive and compassionate manner, who might otherwise, due to their financial circumstances, be unable to continue their third level studies. Further information on this fund is available from the student access officer at UCD.
