Written answers

Wednesday, 6 February 2008

Department of Education and Science

Higher Education Grants

9:00 pm

Photo of Denis NaughtenDenis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 282: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if an applicant who is out of the education system for five years or more and subject to meeting means test criteria, can receive a higher education grant for an approved course at the same level as a course that the applicant has already passed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4102/08]

Photo of Mary HanafinMary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Under the terms of the maintenance grants schemes grant assistance is awarded to students who meet the prescribed conditions of funding including those which relate to age, residence, means, nationality and previous academic attainment. The decision on eligibility for third level grants is a matter for the relevant assessing authority- i.e. the Local Authority or VEC. Grant aid shall not be paid to a candidate who already holds a qualification and wishes to pursue a further qualification at the same level irrespective of whether or not a grant was paid previously. An assessing authority has discretion to waive this provision in exceptional circumstances such as certified serious illness. Grants shall not be paid to candidates who already hold a Level 8 (Honours Bachelor Degree qualification or equivalent qualification) and are pursuing a second such qualification. However, notwithstanding this condition the following candidates may be deemed eligible for grant aid: (i) candidates who already hold a Level 6 qualification (Higher Certificate or National Certificate) or Level 7 (Ordinary Bachelor Degree or National Diploma) and are progressing to a Level 8 (Honours Bachelor Degree) course, without necessarily having received an exemption from the normal duration of the course; and (ii) candidates who have satisfactorily completed two years of a Level 7 (Ordinary Bachelor Degree or National Diploma) course, and gain admission through exemption, to year two of a Level 8 (Honours Bachelor Degree) course. In all instances candidates are advised to contact their local assessing authority to ensure all relevant information is provided to determine eligibility.

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