Clare Daly (Dublin North, Socialist Party)
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Question 39: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the way workers availing of the European globalisation fund are expected to fund the finishing of the educational programmes when the funds expire in September 2011. [7078/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The European Commission decision of 8 December 2010 awarding a financial contribution from the European Global Adjustment Fund (EGF) to finance active labour market measures following the redundancies in SR Technics states that Ireland shall use the EGF financial contribution by 9 October 2011.

My Department as the national EGF Managing Authority has clearly stated from the outset to potential EGF beneficiaries and service providers that EGF support would not be available for educational and other training measures after that date.

However, upon the expiry of the EGF programme implementation period, a wide range of mainstream supports is available to former SR Technics workers interested in availing of training, further and third level education and enterprise supports.

Former SR Technics workers pursuing third level educational programmes may be eligible for support in accordance with the regulations governing the operation of the Department's Free Fees and student support schemes dependent on their individual circumstances.

Apart from the Free Fees Initiative the main financial support available to students in higher education is the Maintenance Grant. Students who are entering approved courses are eligible for financial assistance where they satisfy the relevant conditions including those relating to residence, means, age, nationality and previous academic attainment.

Eligibility for grant assistance is a matter for the relevant local authority or VEC to establish. Students should apply to their local authority or VEC to establish their eligibility. Detailed information on financial supports for students can be found on the website www.studentfinance.ie.

The Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme, Post Leaving Certificate programme and Back to Education Initiative operated by the Vocational Education Committees provide flexible part-time and full-time learning opportunities.

FÁS provides guidance and training options, including through accredited private providers contracted to FÁS under the Technical Employment Services Grant.

In addition, a range of enterprise supports including business advice, mentoring, financial and non-financial assistance is provided in the business start-up and expansion phases through the City and County Enterprise Boards to persons interested in starting their own business.