Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 548: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she will arrange to have the appeal by a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11 dealt with; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33939/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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My Department funds three means-tested maintenance grant schemes for third level education students in respect of attendance of 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: 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.

Under the terms of the maintenance grants scheme for post-leaving certificate courses 2005, grants are available to eligible candidates who are entering approved PLC courses for the first time in the 2005-06 academic year. Candidates are ineligible if they already hold a FETAC level 5 qualification, formerly known as a FETAC (NCVA) level 2 qualification, or FETAC level 6 qualification, formerly known as a FETAC (NCVA) level 3 qualification, or a third level qualification at level 6 or higher. However, notwithstanding that condition, candidates who already hold a FETAC level 5 qualification, formerly known as a FETAC (NCVA) level 2 qualification, and are now pursuing a course that offers progression may be deemed eligible for grant aid.

It is understood that the candidate to whom the Deputy refers already holds a FETAC level 5 course, formerly known as a FETAC (NCVA) level 2 qualification. Accordingly, with reference to the above provisions of the PLC scheme, I regret that the candidate is ineligible for grant assistance in respect of another course at FETAC level 5.

I regret that the news is not better regarding this student, but the Deputy will appreciate that the terms of the schemes are of general application, and it is not open to me to make exceptions in individual cases.