Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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2696. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review correspondence (details supplied); if he will provide details of the financial supports, grants, or funding schemes available for students in this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45146/25]

Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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2736. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will examine the case of a person outlined in correspondence (details supplied); the financial supports, grants, or funding schemes available for students in this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47226/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 2696 and 2736 together.

The course which the Deputy refers is delivered on a part-time basis through the relevant Higher Education Institute.

The Student Part-Time Fee Regulations for Specified Undergraduate Courses 2025 provides fee support to eligible part-time students attending specified publicly funded undergraduate courses leading to a major award. This includes specified in person and blended/hybrid courses. The 2025 Scheme now has 109 approved courses, representing a significant increase from 62 approved courses in 2024 when it was first launched.

However, the particular course to which the Deputy refers is not included in the Part-Time Fee Scheme and is therefore not considered an approved course for funding.

I note that the course in question in Early Childhood Education Care is covered by the Nurturing Skills Learning Fund Scheme and that the student in question missed the closing date. The Nurturing Skills Fund is operated by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality and it would be open to the student to contact that Department to make enquiries in this regard.

Details of other supports available to students can be found on www.studentfinance.ie.