Student Grant Scheme

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 July 2012

Tuesday, 3 July 2012

Ceisteanna (234)

Anthony Lawlor

Ceist:

239 Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to establish a student loan scheme for postgraduate students who are no longer eligible for a maintenance grant; if so, the progress that has been made and when it is expected to have such a scheme in place; if not, if he has considered introducing a student guarantor scheme to assist struggling post graduate students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31987/12]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

A number of financial institutions already offer loans for postgraduate studies. My Department is pursuing ongoing discussions in relation to the potential development of further competitive loan packages that could be availed of by those who would previously have qualified for post-graduate maintenance grant support.