Anthony Lawlor (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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106. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if any financial assistance is available for mature students who are in receipt of jobseeker's payments, and are undertaking a part-time course in an approved institution in another EU country which is not available here, and due to commitments in Ireland are unable to move abroad and participate in the course on a full-time basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10197/14]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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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. In order to be considered for a grant a student is required, under Section 8 (1) (b) of the Student Support Act 2011, to be in attendance on a full-time basis.

There are no plans at present to extend the scope of the student grant scheme to part-time courses, in the State or in another EU Member State.

Tax relief is available for fees for part-time courses. Full details of this relief are available from the Revenue Commissioners.