Higher Education Grants.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 December 2007

Tuesday, 18 December 2007

Ceisteanna (343)

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

390 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will take such steps as to ensure that where a mature student in receipt of a higher education grant fails to complete a course due to medical reasons, such student will be able to resume their education and access to a grant without penalty; and if she will issue an instruction to those local authorities and vocational education committees who are interpreting Section 3.3 of the guidelines as requiring a five year wait by the student in such circumstances, that they should cease doing so. [34905/07]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Mary Hanafin)

The decision on eligibility for third level and further education grants is a matter for the relevant Local Authority or VEC. These bodies do not refer individual applications to my Department except, in exceptional cases, where for example, advice or instruction regarding a particular clause in the relevant scheme is desired.

Under the terms of the third level student support schemes ( clause 3.3 of the Higher Education Grants Scheme), a second chance student is defined as a student, who having attended but not successfully completed an approved course, is returning following a break of at least five years in order to pursue an approved course at the same level.

In addition grant assistance may not be awarded in respect of a repeat period of study at the same level, irrespective of whether or not funding was previously awarded. However, the awarding body may waive this provision in exceptional circumstances such as cases of certified serious illness. It should be emphasised, however, that this discretion would only be exercised where a candidate is repeating a period of study on the same course.

Question No. 391 answered with QuestionNo. 375.