Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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77. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide an update regarding students of the two-year diploma course run by Trinity College (details supplied) who had previously received the student grant and maintenance payment but have been told they are no longer entitled to same and they must repay moneys received; the reason a change in the status of the course occurred; and if he will ensure that students who received grants and maintenance to do this course will not be forced to repay the moneys. [7112/14]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The student grants awarding body, SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland) confirmed on Monday 20th January 2014 that students attending the course referred to by the Deputy are approved for funding. All applicants previously awarded a grant have had their payments reinstated and arrears paid.

The decision follows a review carried out, as part of on-going audits of student grants, on a valid question which arose over the eligibility of the specified course. On looking into the matter, my Department clarified the position in respect of this course and grants are approved for students participating on the course in 2013/14.