Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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49. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will amend the conditions to the pilot support scheme which is aimed at making third level education accessible for young persons in the asylum process, by withdrawing the five-year time rule to allow young persons in the process who have completed the Irish leaving certificate to access supports for third level education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15156/16]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will be aware that a Pilot Support Scheme was introduced last year for students who are in the Protection System or at the Leave to Remain (but not deportation order) stage. The scheme was intended to provide supports to qualifying students which were similar to those available in the statutory based Student Grant Scheme.

Last week I announced the continuation of the Pilot Support Scheme for those in the protection system for 2016/17. The "five year time rule", which is in line with the recommendations of the Working Group chaired by Dr. Bryan McMahon, will continue to apply for 2016/17. There are no plans to remove this requirement.