Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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210. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will review the situation whereby a student who elects to do a course of equal level as a previously completed course is denied any grant aid; her views that this is a highly restrictive factor and that many persons who would like to re-educate themselves are prevented from doing so as a direct result of this restriction; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1949/15]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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To satisfy the terms and conditions of the student grant scheme in relation to progression, a student must be moving from year to year within a course, having successfully completed the previous year or be transferring from one course to another, where the award for the subsequent course is of a higher level than the previous course.

The objective of this policy is to help as many students as possible to obtain one qualification at each level of study. Given the level of demand on the student grant budget from first time students and students that are progressing with their studies to a higher level, there are no plans at present to change the arrangements in place.

A student holding a qualification would not satisfy the progression requirements of the Scheme on commencing a further programme at the same level.

In the context of a person re-educating I would like to draw the Deputy's attention to Springboard, a specific initiative that strategically targets funding of free part-time higher education courses to enable unemployed people to upskill or reskill in areas where there are identified labour market skills shortages or employment opportunities. The courses, which are at level 6 (higher certificate) to level 9 (master's degree) on the National Framework of Qualifications, are being delivered in public and private higher education providers around the country.

Tax relief is also available on tuition fees. Details in relation to this relief are available from the Revenue Commissioners.

I have no plans at present to change the current arrangements.