Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 581: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if there is funding available from the European Union for an Irish student attending private college in England; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7951/10]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The Higher Education Grants Scheme operates under the Local Authorities (Higher Education Grants) Acts, 1968 to 1992. Each year, the scheme specifies a list of approved institutions for grants purposes. The approved institutions mainly comprise of publicly-funded third level institutions. Grants for undergraduate students may be portable to publicly-funded colleges in other EU Member States. There are no plans at present to extend the scope of the student grant schemes to private colleges.

Section 473A of the Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997 provides for tax relief, at the standard rate of tax, for tuition fees paid in respect of approved full/part-time courses in both private and publicly funded third level colleges and universities in the State and any other EU Member State. Further details and conditions in relation to this tax relief are available from the Revenue Commissioners.

In relation to EU funding, eligible workers made redundant at the DELL computer manufacturing plant in Raheen, Co. Limerick and ancillary enterprises in the Mid-West region have the possibility of seeking support under measures in the areas of upskilling, retraining, entrepreneurial supports and educational opportunities being provided with the assistance of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF).

This support is co-ordinated by FÁS, including in relation to training courses from private service providers. In general, courses should be on the National Qualifications Framework and be accredited by FETAC or by a recognised industry awarding body. Each application for such grant aid is considered on its individual merits. Strict eligibility criteria apply for access to EGF-funded measures, details of which are available from the FÁS EGF Co-ordination Unit.