Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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97. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to provide supports to post-leaving certificate students who are not eligible for a €250 payment which has been made available to third-level students. [41755/20]

Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy will be aware that there are some important differences in costs of attending PLC programmes versus higher education institutions. The only centrally determined payment for the PLC programme is the €200 PLC participant contribution. This amount is not payable by persons with a medical card, as well as a number of other categories. Approximately 60% of learners on PLC courses do not pay the €200 contribution. Students on PLC courses do not pay the €3,000 student contribution fee that is paid by higher education students.

PLC students in receipt of the student grant are receiving the €250 payment in common with their higher education counterparts on whole behalf the annual student contribution is paid.

There are a number of other supports available to PLC students who are not eligible for the €250 payment, including through the Back to Education Allowance provided by the Department of Social Protection and the Fund for Student Disabilities. PLC students also benefited from additional Covid supports announced in July, in particular the €15 million technology fund for devices.

Learners should contact their local ETB for enquiries about financial supports that may be available to them.