John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 67: To ask the Minister for Defence the number of commissioned non-commissioned personnel attending third level education; the range of courses involved; the cost incurred in 2004 and 2005; the funding provided for third level education under the refund of fees scheme operated by his Department; the number of applications received in 2004 and 2005; the number of applicants successful in receiving grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11735/06]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The military has advised that the numbers of military personnel attending education courses at third level, ranging from certificate to masters degree level in 2004 included 129 commissioned personnel and 26 non-commissioned personnel. In 2005, the numbers attending such courses included 143 commissioned personnel and 44 non-commissioned personnel. The fees incurred in relation to such courses amounted to €663,188 in 2004 and to €578,130 in 2005.

The number of applications received from military personnel for refunds of course fees, in respect of third level education in the individual's own time, was 35 in 2004. The figure for 2005 was 51. All applications made were granted. The level of funding available for the refunds of fees scheme for military personnel for third level courses was €70,000 in 2004 and €72,000 in 2005.

In addition, a number of military personnel attend certain specialised, career specific, third level education courses, on local assignment from their home corps. However, statistics in relation to these courses are not readily available centrally. The relevant data will be collated and provided to the Deputy as soon as possible.