Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 October 2006
454 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will amend the higher education grant scheme to allow consideration of an allowance towards a family member who is a trainee or apprentice when an application is being made for a third level grant by another family member. [30436/06]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Third Level Student Support Schemes operated on behalf of my Department provide a means tested grant to students who are pursuing their first undergraduate or postgraduate course and who comply with the terms and conditions of the Scheme. There is provision in the 2006/07 Schemes for an allowance where 2 or more children (or the candidate's parent) are pursuing a course of study listed below; the reckonable income limits may be increased by €4,525 where there are 2 such children, €9,050 where there are 3 such children and so on, by increments of €4,525.
Courses:
attending full-time third level education.
attending a recognised PLC course, student nurse training or student Garda training.
participating in a Fáilte Ireland (formerly CERT) course of at least one year's duration.
attending a full time Teagasc course in an agricultural college.
attending a recognised full-time further education course, of at least one year's duration, in Northern Ireland.
I have no plans at present to depart from the above practice in respect of allowances given.
