Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1309: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if a higher education grant will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25958/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Under the terms of the 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 or not a grant was paid previously. The candidate in question has pursued the two year full-time course leading to the international Montessori diploma at Montessori College (AMI) Milltown, which is an approved course for higher education grant purposes and she holds an international Montessori diploma which would enable her to teach three to six year olds. In the current academic year she wishes to pursue a one-year six to 12 years diploma programme. As the candidate referred to by the Deputy already holds an international Montessori diploma, she may be ineligible under the terms and conditions of the 2005 higher education grant scheme for funding in respect of a second international Montessori diploma.

My Department is currently in correspondence with AMI Milltown seeking clarification as to the precise qualification that students are awarded at the end of second year and if this is a terminal qualification, the entry requirements into third year and the terminal qualification at the end of this year. The case in question will be reviewed further when the position is clarified with the institution in question.