Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 234: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the fact that students eligible for a maintenance grant are unable to avail of it if they are attending a private college; if he will review this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9412/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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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. The Deputy will appreciate that, in the current economic climate, I am not in a position to consider any such extension of the list of approved institutions. 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.