Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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69. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the financial supports available to a mature student returning to college (details provided); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10994/16]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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Under the student grant scheme, eligible candidates, including mature and second chance students may receive funding, provided they are attending an approved course at an approved institution and meet the prescribed conditions of funding, including those which relate to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means.

My Department allocates significant resources to ensure that students can participate fully in their academic courses and are not disadvantaged by reason of a disability. The Fund for Students with Disabilities (FSD) is managed by the HEA on behalf of my department and provides funding to both further and higher education institutions for the provision of services and supports for full-time students with disabilities.

The institutions are responsible for the management and allocation of the Fund at local level throughout the year.