Ned O'Keeffe (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 438: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to third level grants; and if all local authorities adhere to the same criteria. [11762/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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My Department funds three means-tested maintenance grant schemes in respect of students attending approved courses in approved third level institutions and one maintenance grant scheme in respect of students attending approved post-leaving certificate courses in approved PLC centres. These are the higher education grants scheme, the vocational education committees scholarship scheme, the third level maintenance grants scheme for trainees and the maintenance grant scheme for students attending post-leaving certificate courses. Generally speaking, all four schemes prescribe similar conditions which preclude students from grant assistance in respect of a repeat period of study at the same level or in respect of a course at a lower level than a course previously pursued, irrespective of whether a grant was previously awarded.

Under the terms of the 2004 PLC scheme, grants are available to eligible candidates who are entering approved PLC courses for the first time in 2004-05. Generally speaking, candidates are ineligible for grant assistance if they already hold qualifications at FETAC level 2 or FETAC level 3 or a third level qualification at national certificate, national diploma, degree, postgraduate or equivalent level. In addition, candidates who have previously pursued but not successfully completed a PLC course are ineligible for grant assistance in respect of any subsequent PLC course. Notwithstanding these conditions, candidates who already hold an award no higher than FETAC level 2 and who subsequently pursue another PLC course at a higher level may be deemed eligible for grant aid.

My Department understands that the candidate to whom the Deputy refers has previously completed a PLC course in respect of which he received a FETAC level 3 award and that he is pursuing another PLC course. Accordingly, under the prescribed conditions of the PLC scheme, he is ineligible for grant assistance in respect of his current PLC course. In view of the Deputy's assertion, my Department will be in contact with the awarding authorities to ensure that the terms and conditions of the PLC scheme are being applied correctly and equitably in respect of all candidates.