asked the Minister for Education the stage her plans to get sponsorship from the private sector for funding for female mature students have reached; and when the first students will enter third level education under this scheme.

A special higher education grant scheme for mature women students operated on a "once-off" basis under the aegis of my Department for the academic year 1987-88. There is no provision in the Estimates for such a scheme in 1988-89. However, while I cannot yet announce that private sponsorship will be available to cover the costs of operating such a scheme this year, I can assure the Deputy that I have had a positive interest expressed by one firm and I am hopeful that negotiations will be completed shortly. I anticipate that grants to successful students would be awarded in time for the commencement of the academic year 1988-89.