Publishing grants and scholarships information
Quill urged the Minister to publish a booklet listing available grants and scholarships for schools and guidance teachers. O’Rourke agreed the proposal had merit and said the information was available from the Department, VECs and county councils.
I should like to refer the Minister to Question No. 46 which deals with the matter of grants and scholarships. Many grants and scholarships are paid through different sources and were instituted at different times.
Comment on this
I am anxious to assist the Deputy but I must point out to her that we must proceed by way of supplementary questions.
Comment on this
My suspicion is that a number of school children are not aware of the grants that are available. It is because of that I should like to ask the Minister to prepare a list of the grants and scholarships that are available and publish them in booklet form to be issued to school principals and career guidance teachers. It is important that those who qualify for grants are aware of them. I appeal to the Minister to issue that booklet early in the next academic year because I consider it a matter of fundamental importance.
Comment on this
There is a lot of merit in what the Deputy has said and it appeals to a logical mind, which I hope I have. It makes sense to have details of all grants and scholarships on one sheet. I should like to tell the Deputy that that information can be obtained from the Department, VECs or county councils. The suggestion is worthy of consideration.