Fiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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72. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the similar third level courses (details supplied) in different universities that are not both eligible for SUSI; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14572/17]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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Approved undergraduate courses for the Student Grant Scheme 2016 are prescribed in the Student Support Regulations 2016 and in the Student Support Act 2011.

The Regulations prescribe that an approved undergraduate course is a full-time course leading to a major higher education and training award which takes a minimum of two years to complete in an approved institution.

Courses that are part-time or that are less than two years in duration or leading to a special purpose/minor award rather than a major award are not approved for the purposes of the Student Grant Scheme.

I understand that the new dental nursing course in UCC does not lead to a major higher education and training award and as such, is not an approved course. However, should UCC recalibrate the course content and final award, then the course could be considered for grant support.