Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 October 2019
138. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a person (details supplied) can qualify for higher education grants or the back to education allowance in view of the fact that the person has already undertaken private courses and is unable to progress further due to costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42902/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder 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.
The definition of an approved institution is set out in Section 7 of the Student Support Act 2011 and Regulation 3 of the Student Support Regulations 2019.
To satisfy the terms and conditions in relation to progression, a student must be moving from year to year within a course, having successfully completed the previous year or be transferring from one course to another where the award for the subsequent course is of a higher level than the previous course.
Further information in relation to student grant assistance is available from SUSI’s website (www.susi.ie) or by contacting the SUSI Helpdesk, telephone 0761 087 874.
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.
The determination of eligibility for assistance under the Back to Education Allowance is a matter for the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection.
