Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of scholarships given to students by his Department to study at an educational institution (details supplied) in Italy over the past six years; the breakdown in the different degrees, masters and PhDs per faculty that scholars studied; the number of students that completed their scholarships; the breakdown in cost of these scholarships per degree; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16065/13]

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

The educational Institution to which the Deputy refers is a postgraduate research university established by the Member States of the European Union.

The main teaching activity is the PhD programme, leading to the Doctorate of the Institute, on topics related to its research programme in the fields of history, economics, law and political and social sciences. Up to 4 scholarships are awarded anually by my Department to Irish students to attend the Institution.

The scholarship allowence ( which is linked to the Government of Ireland scholarship scheme) is €1,386 per month, plus a further allowence of €225 to married students. My Department pays this scholarship for first, second and third year students. Fourth year students are funded by the institute to a maximum amount with my Department paying the difference. Currently, the Institute pays fourth year students €1,220 per month with my Department paying the difference of €166 per month. A flat allowance of €635 is paid to each scholarship holder towards travel and incidental expenses per academic year. A partner allowance of €225 per month is also payable. A payment of €58.19 per person per month is also made to the Institute in respect of student insurance premiums.

The following table shows the number of students funded for the last six years.

Course