Written answers

Wednesday, 28 September 2005

Department of Education and Science

Higher Education Grants

9:00 pm

Photo of John PerryJohn Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 1284: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the difficulties encountered by a person (details supplied) in County Sligo concerning a maintenance grant and registration fees; the avenues open to this person to secure financial aid; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25826/05]

Photo of Mary HanafinMary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Under the terms of the third level student support schemes — clause 7.6 of the higher education grants scheme — maintenance grants are not payable to candidates who already hold an undergraduate degree and are pursuing a second undergraduate degree. Similarly, tuition fees are not payable in respect of a second period of college attendance at the same level. I understand the student referred to by the Deputy already holds a degree in fine art. She is therefore ineligible for a higher education grant and is also unable to benefit under the free fees initiative in respect of her nursing studies. As the rules governing the schemes are of general application, exceptions cannot be made in individual instances.

Tax relief is, however, available in respect of undergraduate 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 students and part-time postgraduate students. Further details and conditions of this tax relief are available from local tax offices.

Apart from the funding provided through the student support maintenance grant schemes, financial assistance is also available from my Department through the student assistance fund. The objective of the fund is to assist students, in a sensitive and compassionate manner, who might otherwise, due to their financial circumstances, be unable to continue their third level studies. Further information on this fund is available from the student access officer at the relevant college. Tuition fees are not payable from this fund. Another initiative under the third level access fund is the millennium partnership fund for disadvantage. The objective of this fund is to support students from disadvantaged areas with regard to retention and participation in further or higher education courses. Partnership companies and community groups manage the fund locally. Students may contact their local partnership or community group for assistance.

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