Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 1810: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 has not been informed of a decision of their appeal for an extension of a year for the grant they were previously paid to allow them to complete their PhD in chemistry in Trinity College in view of the importance of encouraging studies in the sciences and the fact that the person is from a disadvantaged area and the need to encourage and help students from such areas. [31363/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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A reply has issued to the candidate referred to by the Deputy in respect of his appeal from the Higher Education- Equity Of Access Unit of my Department.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 1811: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if it is intended to look at extending the years where maintenance and fees grants are available from a maximum of four years at present to five years to take account of students pursuing post-graduate studies and the need in the current climate to encourage students to continue with their studies in order that Ireland has a higher educated base for Ireland's knowledge based economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31364/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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Under the student support schemes eligible undergraduate students may avail of grant aid for a period of in excess of four years in particular circumstances. At post graduate level grant aid is limited to four years.

Any extension to the scope of the maintenance grants scheme, can be considered only in the light of available resources and in the context of competing demands within the education sector.