Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 29: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the eligibility for a post leaving certificate student grant for a level 5 course; if that person has previously completed a level 5 course without grant support. [13129/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Under the terms of the relevant student grant scheme, students who are entering approved post leaving certificate courses for the first time are eligible for grants where they satisfy the prescribed conditions including those relating to progression.

In general, students who previously pursued a course of study are not eligible for grant assistance for a second period of study at the same level, irrespective of whether or not a grant was paid previously. Subject to the conditions of the individual schemes, grants are available where students are progressing to a course at a higher level.

The main objective of this policy is to assist as many students as possible in obtaining one qualification at each level of study. Given the level of demand on the student grant schemes budget from first time students and students that are progressing with their studies to a higher level, there are no plans at present to change the arrangements in place.