Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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71. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the eligibility for higher education grant in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare, now studying veterinary medicine in Budapest; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30442/14]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The Deputy will appreciate that in the absence of all of the relevant details that would be contained in an individual's application form and supporting documentation, it would not be possible for me to say whether or not a student would qualify for a grant.

In relation to support available for students studying abroad, my Department's Student Grant Scheme provides maintenance grants to eligible undergraduate students pursuing approved courses in other E.U. Member States. In general, an approved undergraduate course in this context is defined as a full-time undergraduate course of not less than two years duration pursued in a university or third level institution, which is maintained or assisted by recurrent grants from public funds in another EU Member State. The Student Grant Scheme does not extend to the payment of tuition fees to institutions outside the State other than for exceptional provision in respect of postgraduate courses in Northern Ireland.

In relation to tuition fees, there is provision for tax relief, at the standard rate in respect of approved courses at approved colleges of higher education including approved undergraduate and postgraduate courses in other E.U. Member States. Further details and conditions in relation to this relief are available from the Revenue Commissioners.

If the student referred to by the Deputy wishes to have his eligibility for a grant assessed, he should make an online grant application to Student Universal Support Ireland at www.susi.ie.