Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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828. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the financial support available in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork who cannot apply for a maintenance grant for college and is not eligible for the one-parent family payment, due to the age of that person's children, as the person is in receipt of the back-to-education Allowance. [12105/15]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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Following a Budget 2010 decision, 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, students who qualify for the 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.

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. This fund is administered on a confidential, discretionary basis.