§ Mr. MallonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many full-time third level students(a) have had to withdraw from their course and (b) returned to their course after a period of absence due to illness, during the past five academic years.
§ Mr. HanleyThe information requested is as follows:
Academic year Withdrawals due to illness Returned to course 1986–87 158 135 1987–88 162 136 1988–89 l48 126 1989–90 148 117 1990–91 159 121 Totals 775 635
§ Mr. MallonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what current financial provisions exist to support full-time third level students during periods of absence from their course, as a result of illness; and if he will introduce appropriate regulations to provide for such students who do not as a result receive education grant or other benefits.
§ Mr. HanleyStudents retain their entitlement to grant under the Students Awards Regulations for periods of illness lasting not more than 28 days. Students can also apply for a student loan if they are still meeting course attendance requirements. Assistance from access funds may also be obtained.
Income support and housing benefit are available throughout the year to prescribed groups of students, in particular, lone parents and disabled people. Any student who is ill for more than 28 weeks and has been submitting medical evidence can claim benefits available to disabled students.
174WThere are no plans to change the current arrangements.