Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 247: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if, in respect of section 7.7 of the higher education grant scheme, an applicant who has a BA qualification with a masters degree and who wishes to pursue a postgraduate diploma course in primary teaching in a recognised teacher training college here is eligible to be considered for grant assistance under the mature student grant scheme on the basis that the postgraduate diploma course in primary teaching represents progression from the level at which the previous postgraduate qualification was attained in respect of the experience to be gained and the resultant further experience to teaching made available as a consequence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3680/04]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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Under the terms of my Department's higher education grants scheme, a student is not eligible for grant assistance in respect of a second period of study at the same level irrespective of whether a grant was paid previously. The scheme also provides that grants may not be paid to candidates who already hold a postgraduate qualification and are pursuing a second postgraduate qualification.

Clause 7.7 of the higher education grants scheme does provide for financial assistance to eligible candidates who already hold a postgraduate qualification and who wish to enter a further postgraduate course at a higher level, which represents progression from the level at which the first qualification was attained. My Department understands that the student referred to by the Deputy already holds a masters degree and, accordingly, as a higher diploma does not represent progression as defined in clause 7.7. of the scheme, the student is not eligible for grant assistance.

However, tax relief is available in respect of postgraduate fees paid in publicly funded colleges here and in other EU member states, as well as in private colleges in the State. This relief applies at the standard rate of tax and is available to full-time and part-time postgraduate students. Further details and conditions in relation to this tax relief are available from local tax offices.