Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 146: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the schemes and grants available to assist students from this jurisdiction to attend third level colleges in Northern Ireland. [5377/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Under the terms of my Department's maintenance grants schemes, grant assistance is available to eligible students attending approved third level courses in approved institutions. An approved course for the purpose of the schemes means a full-time undergraduate course of not less than two years duration and a full time postgraduate course of not less than one year duration pursued in an approved institution.

In order to qualify for grant assistance, a candidate must, of course, satisfy the prescribed conditions of the schemes, including those relating to residence, means, nationality and previous academic attainment. Students from this State who are attending undergraduate courses in Northern Ireland can apply for maintenance grants in respect of approved courses at higher national diploma level or higher, which are pursued in colleges approved for the purpose of the schemes.

Under the terms of the schemes, grants are not available in respect of tuition fees paid at undergraduate level in Northern Ireland. However, all EU students, including students from this State, are eligible for grant assistance towards the cost of tuition fees from the education and library boards in Northern Ireland, subject to the same conditions as apply to students who have been resident in Northern Ireland. Students pursuing approved postgraduate courses in Northern Ireland can apply for assistance under the terms of the schemes in respect of maintenance grants and, also, grants in respect of the cost of their tuition fees, subject to a maximum fee limit, which is currently €5,028.

Section 473A of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provides for tax relief in respect of undergraduate tuition fees paid for: approved full or part-time undergraduate courses in both private and publicly funded third level colleges and universities in the State and any other EU member state; full or part-time undergraduate courses operated by colleges in any EU member state providing distance education in the State; full or part-time undergraduate courses in both private and publicly funded third level colleges in non-EU countries. Tax relief is also available for postgraduate tuition fees paid for: approved full or part-time postgraduate courses in both private and publicly funded third level colleges and universities in the State and any other EU member state and in non-EU countries. This tax relief applies at the standard rate of tax. Further details and conditions in regard to this tax relief are available from local tax offices.