Higher Education Grants

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 May 2010

Tuesday, 25 May 2010

Ceisteanna (410)

Brian Hayes

Ceist:

437 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if students participating in the access programme are automatically entitled to a maintenance grant; the number of students that are currently participating in the access programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21536/10]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Mary Coughlan)

Access courses are generally organised by individual institutions and are not approved courses under the terms and conditions of the student grant schemes. The Higher Education Authority recently estimated the number of students currently on full-time access courses at some 369.