Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 September 2015
184. Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide an update regarding a student grant scheme for Ballyfermot College of Further Education in Dublin 10 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32561/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that Ballyfermot College of Further Education is an approved Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) centre which is managed and funded by City of Dublin Education and Training Board (CDETB) from funding provided by my Department. Post Leaving Certificate Centres provide further education courses up to Level 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). However, my Department has facilitated the provision by the College of a course accredited by a third level institution at Level 8 on the NFQ for a number of years and continues to do so as an exceptional measure.
Section 7 of the Student Support Act, 2011 outlines the position with regard to approved institutions for the purposes of student grants. The College is comprehended within Section 7(1)(d) of the Act as an education institution in the State in receipt of grants out of moneys provided by the Oireachtas for the provision of post-leaving certificate courses.
I currently have no plans to designate further education centres as approved third level institutions for the purposes of the student grant scheme.
