Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 May 2011
175 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider making a course (details supplied) an approved course for the purposes of the higher education grants scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11367/11]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder my Department's student grant schemes, eligible candidates may receive funding provided they are attending an approved course at an approved institution as defined in the relevant scheme. I understand that the college referred to by the Deputy is a private college and is not on the list of approved institutions for the purpose of the student grant schemes. The Deputy will appreciate that, in the current economic climate, I am not in a position to consider any such extension of the list of approved institutions. However, Section 21 of the Finance Act 2000 provides for the introduction of tax relief for fees paid in publicly funded colleges here and in other EU Member States as well as in private colleges in the State. This relief, which applies at the standard rate of tax, is available to full-time and part-time students and includes distance education courses offered by publicly funded colleges in other EU Member States. Further details on claiming this relief are available from the Revenue Commissioners' website at www.revenue.ie.
