982. Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Skills the supports available to a person (details supplied) in County Cork who is in receipt of an invalidity pension and who wishes to pursue a third level education course in a private college; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38069/15]

Under my Department's student grant scheme, eligible candidates may receive funding provided they are attending an approved course at an approved institution as defined in the Student Grant scheme.

Private colleges such as Griffith College, operated on a for-profit basis are not listed as approved institutions for student grant purposes. However, tax relief on tuition fees may be available for students attending courses in private colleges. Details in relation to this relief are available from the Revenue Commissioners on www.revenue.ie.