Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

14. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills why persons who participate in level 5 Quality and Qualifications Ireland courses through the National Learning Network cannot avail of the grant from Student Universal Support Ireland but persons who complete the post-leaving certificate system can; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18146/16]

John Halligan (Waterford, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Student Grant Scheme supported approximately 81,500 students in the academic year 2015/16 at a cost of circa €380 million.

Under the student grant scheme, eligible candidates 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.

To avail of funding an applicant must be entering an approved full-time course in an approved institution as defined in Sections 7 and 8 the Student Support Act 2011 and Regulations 3 and 4 of the Student Support Regulations 2016. The centres providing Level 5 courses under the remit of the National Learning Network are not listed as approved institutions for student grant purposes.

My Department, through SOLAS and the Education and Training Boards, funds the Specialist Training Provider (STP) programme. The National Learning Network delivers the majority of STP courses. In general, participants on STP courses are in receipt of income support in the form of a disability payment from the Department of Social Protection or a training allowance equivalent to their jobseeker payment entitlement. These payments are generally at a level significantly above that available through the student grant scheme. The principle of student grants not being awarded to students who are receipt of separate income support from public funds is well established. A similar restriction applies to BTEA recipients who no longer qualify for SUSI maintenance grants.

The current system of student supports is underpinned by the Student Support Act, 2011. It is my intention to initiate a review of this legislation later this year.