Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if there are any State or European funded grants that are specifically targeted at women who study engineering at third level here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46087/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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There is no specific funding under the student grant scheme for women studying engineering at third level. They are however, eligible to apply for assistance provided they satisfy the terms and conditions in relation to nationality, residency, academic attainment and means. Previously Science Foundation Ireland, in conjunction with DELL, provided targeted scholarships to female students undertaking an undergraduate degree in engineering. This award programme has been running since 2006/07 but it is not envisaged that any new awards will be made in the current academic year. In addition, Discover Science and Engineering and the STEPS programme promote female participation in science and engineering and provide support to such initiatives on a continuous basis.

Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the financial supports available for mature students who undertake third level study in addition to the higher education grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46088/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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In additional to support under the Student Grant Scheme mature students can apply for a place on a Springboard course. Springboard, which was first launched in May 2011, is a specific initiative that strategically targets funding of free part-time higher education courses for unemployed people in areas where there are identified labour market skills shortages or employment opportunities. To be eligible for a place on a Springboard course a person must be unemployed, actively seeking employment, and be in receipt of one of the qualifying payments from the Department of Social Protection or be signing for credits or be previously self employed. Full details can be accessed on the dedicated Springboard website www.springboardcourses.ie.

Other supports available to students include the Student Assistance Fund which will continue to be made available through the access offices of third-level institutions to assist students in exceptional financial need. In addition, tax relief at the standard rate of tax may be claimed in respect of tuition fees paid for approved courses at approved colleges of higher education. Further information on this tax relief is available from the Revenue Commissioners.