Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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100. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if a person is entitled to a third-level maintenance grant if he or she is in receipt of the back-to-education allowance or the VTOS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54659/13]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Students who qualify for the Back to Education Allowance (BTEA), may be considered for support for the student contribution under the student grant scheme provided they satisfy the conditions of the relevant Student Grant Scheme and Student Support Regulations including those relating to residence, nationality, approved course, previous academic attainment and means.

From September 2010, all new applicants in receipt of the Back to Education Allowance (BTEA), and the VTOS allowances for those pursuing PLC courses, are no longer eligible for maintenance support under the student grant scheme. However, the cost of the student services charge and tuition fees payable to colleges continues to be met for eligible students by the Exchequer.

Students in third-level institutions experiencing exceptional financial need can apply for support under the Student Assistance Fund. This Fund assists students, in a sensitive and compassionate manner, who might otherwise be unable to continue their third level studies due to their financial circumstances.

Information on the fund is available through the Access Officer in the third level institution attended. The fund is administered on a confidential, discretionary basis.

In addition to the student grant, 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 on www.revenue.ie.