Written answers

Wednesday, 25 January 2006

Department of Education and Science

Higher Education Grants

8:00 pm

Photo of Bernard AllenBernard Allen (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 1243: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if a situation whereby a person (details supplied) in County Cork has been refused a third level grant will be investigated. [40374/05]

Photo of Mary HanafinMary 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 on 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.

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, a 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 this condition, candidates who already hold a qualification no higher than FETAC level 5, formerly known as a FETAC (NCVA) level 2, and are now pursuing a course that offers progression may be deemed eligible for grant aid.

My Department understands that the candidate referred to by the Deputy has previously completed an NCVA level 2 course in information processing. Accordingly, with reference to the above provisions of the PLC scheme, I regret that she is ineligible for grant assistance in respect of another course at FETAC level 5. She would be eligible to be assessed for a grant if she was pursuing a FETAC level 6 course which would be deemed a higher qualification than a FETAC level 5 course.

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