Paul McGrath (Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 505: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she will confirm that a higher education grant will be payable to students who hold a masters degree and are applying for grant aid to complete a higher diploma in education degree; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26596/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, 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 are progressing to a further postgraduate course which represents progression. As a higher diploma in education does not represent progression from a master's degree as defined in clause 7.7. of the scheme, the students referred to by the Deputy are not therefore 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 on this tax relief are available from local tax offices.