Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 66: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the financial assistance available to a person who is going to do a masters in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14798/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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Under the terms of my Department's third level maintenance grants schemes, grant assistance is available to eligible students attending approved third level courses in approved institutions. An approved course for the purpose of the schemes means a full-time undergraduate course of not less than two years duration and a full time postgraduate course of not less than one year duration pursued in an approved institution.

In order to qualify for grant assistance, a candidate must, satisfy the prescribed conditions of the schemes including those relating to residence, means, nationality and previous academic attainment.

Students pursuing approved postgraduate courses in Northern Ireland can apply for assistance under the terms of the Schemes in respect of maintenance grants and also, grants in respect of the cost of their tuition fees, subject to a maximum fee limit, which is currently €6,270.

Section 473A Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997 also provides for tax relief on tuition fees, at the standard rate of tax in respect of approved courses at approved colleges of higher education including certain approved undergraduate and postgraduate courses in EU and non-EU member states.