Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 98: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider making an exception to the changes which were brought about last year to the qualifying distance for the non-adjacent grant, which has resulted in difficulty for some students (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27757/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I regret that the economic circumstances of the country are such that I am not in a position to reverse or vary any of the changes to the student grant scheme announced in Budget 2011 by the previous Fianna Fáil-Green Party Government. These changes include the removal of the automatic entitlement of mature students to the non-adjacent rate of grant and an increase in the qualifying distance criterion for the non-adjacent rate of grant.

However, it might be helpful for the student in question to know that she can apply for assistance under the Student Assistance Fund. This Fund at some €5m continues to be made available through the access offices of third-level institutions to assist students in exceptional financial need. The access offices themselves will also provide support and advice to students to help them to continue with their studies.

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 99: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review a matter regarding mature students (details supplied). [27767/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Under the Student Grant 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 regret that given the level of demand on the funding available to me for student grants I have no plans at present to extend the scope of the student grant schemes to part-time courses. However, it may be useful to the student to know that tax relief is available for fees for part-time courses. Full details of this relief are available from the Revenue Commissioners.

Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 100: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the grants and assistance available to a person attending a new college course which is the same level as a course they commenced the previous year but are now attending a different college; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27775/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

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, which appears to be the case here, irrespective of whether or not a grant was paid previously. Subject to the conditions of the student grant scheme, grants are available where students are progressing to a course at a higher level. The objective of this policy is to assist as many students as possible in obtaining one qualification at each level of study. However, Section 473A, Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997, as amended by Section 11 of the Finance Act 2011, provides for tax relief, at the standard rate of tax, for tuition fees paid in respect of approved courses at approved colleges of higher education including certain approved undergraduate and postgraduate courses in E.U. Member States and in non EU countries. This information may be of assistance to the student concerned.