Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 117: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if any assistance is available towards the cost of tuition fees in respect of a person (details supplied) who is receiving the back to education allowance and is therefore not entitled to a higher education grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40986/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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From September 2010, as announced in the last Budget, all new applicants who are in receipt of the Back to Education Allowance are ineligible for student maintenance grants. However, the cost of the student services charge and any fees payable to colleges will continue to be met, for eligible students, by the Exchequer on their behalf. Students should apply to their assessing authority, i.e their local authority or Vocational Education Committee, to have their eligibility assessed.

Students who were in receipt of the BTEA and the maintenance grant for the 2009/10 academic year will continue to be eligible for both payments for the duration of their current course provided they meet the terms and conditions of the relevant grant scheme. Students progressing to a new course, with effect from 2010/11, will no longer be eligible for student maintenance grants but can apply to their local authority or Vocational Education Committee for assistance towards the cost of the student services charge and any fees payable.