Michael D'Arcy (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 1: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if a person (details supplied) may avail of any educational grant from the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4288/11]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The Higher Education Grant Scheme operates under the Local Authorities (Higher Education Grants) Acts, 1968 to 1992. Under the scheme an approved course is defined as a full-time undergraduate course of at least two years duration or a full-time postgraduate course of not less than one year duration pursued in an approved institution. I understand the college referred to by the Deputy is a private college and is not on the list of approved institutions for the purpose of the scheme.

However, Section 21 of the Finance Act 2000 provides for the introduction of tax relief for fees paid in publicly funded colleges here and in other EU Member States as well as in private colleges in this state. This relief, which applies at the standard rate of tax, is available to full time and part time students and includes distance education courses offered by publicly funded colleges in other EU Member States. Further details on claiming this relief are available from local tax offices or on Revenue's internet site at http://www.revenue.ie.