Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 September 2011
37 Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for Education and Skills the grants available to those persons who are unemployed who had been self-employed and are seeking access to third level courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25191/11]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe terms and conditions of funding in relation to financial assistance under the student grant schemes are of general application. Therefore, persons who are unemployed who had been self employed and are seeking access to third level courses may submit a grant application to their local authority or VEC as appropriate. All applications for financial support are assessed in accordance with the terms and conditions of the relevant grant scheme.
Students who are entering approved courses for the first time are eligible for financial assistance where they satisfy the relevant conditions including those relating to residence, means, nationality and previous academic attainment. The decision on grant eligibility is a matter, in the first instance, for the relevant local authority or VEC.
