|
|
Educational service support for former residents
|
| |
6. (1) The Minister may, upon application, in a form (which may include a statutory declaration) specified by the Minister for the purposes of this section, made to him or her by a person in respect of whom the Minister is satisfied is a former resident wishing to engage in, or engaging in, education (whether provided in or outside the State), make such grant as will assist such person to—
|
| |
(a) engage in education, or
|
| |
(b) continue to engage in education,
|
| |
as the case may be.
|
| |
(2) A grant referred to in subsection (1) shall be of such amount, be in respect of such educational service, be paid at such time or times, and be subject to such conditions, as the Minister may determine and communicate in writing to the person who made the application concerned referred to in that subsection.
|
| |
(3) (a) Subject to paragraph (b), the Minister shall determine the criteria by reference to which he or she shall make decisions under this section as to the payment of grants under it and the Minister shall make any such decision by reference to those criteria accordingly.
|
| |
(b) The Minister shall, in determining the criteria under paragraph (a), have regard to the following in relation to his or her consideration of an educational service in respect of which a grant referred to in subsection (1) may be paid:
|
| |
(i) the likely effect of the provision of such service on the educational development, personal and social development and health and general well-being of a former resident;
|
| |
(ii) any other matter that the Minister considers is a proper matter to be taken into account.
|
| |
(4) Criteria determined under subsection (3) shall be recorded in writing and published on a website maintained by or on behalf of the Minister and in such other manner (if any) as the Minister considers appropriate.
|
| |
(5) (a) The Minister shall review the criteria determined under subsection (3) on a regular basis and may amend the criteria following any such review.
|
| |
(b) The first review under paragraph (a) shall be carried out not later than 3 years from the date on which the criteria under subsection (3) are first published, and, in the case of each subsequent review, not later than 3 years from the date of the previous review.
|
| |
(c) The Minister, on being satisfied that no application has been made under subsection (1) for a period of not less than three years, may, by order, appoint a day on which this subsection shall cease to have effect.
|