Student Grant Scheme Eligibility

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 May 2016

Tuesday, 24 May 2016

Ceisteanna (163, 168)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

163. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans in respect of grant assistance (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11446/16]

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

168. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Skills to meet with a group (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11486/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

I propose to take Questions Nos. 163 and 168 together.

Under my Department's student grant scheme, eligible candidates may receive funding provided they are attending an approved course at an approved institution as defined in the scheme.

Private colleges operated on a for-profit basis are not listed as approved institutions for student grant purposes. However, tax relief on tuition fees may be available for students attending courses in private colleges. Details in relation to this relief are available from the Revenue Commissioners on www.revenue.ie.

I have arranged for my senior officials to meet this group in the coming weeks. I have also just announced a call for consultation on the Department's Statement of Strategy 2016- 2018 and have invited stakeholders to make submissions which can input into the development of this strategy. I would welcome any submissions that this group wish to make before the closing date of June 8, and will, of course, take their views into account in developing future policy.