The Education Finance Board which was established in February 2006 under the provision of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse (Amendment) Act 2005 today announced the criteria by which the many thousands of former residents of certain institutions for children, designated by the government, can access over €10 million for education purposes. This funding is available to both former residents themselves and to their children, grandchildren and other designated family members. Eligible claimants can access the fund to support themselves in both formal and non-formal educational and personal development activities. The criteria under which eligible claimants can seek financial support are published today by the Board and can be accessed on this site.
While the level of grant payable in each case will depend on the particular educational service being accessed it will be possible for a former resident to receive up to €12500, (€15000 following review in September 2008) overall in assistance and for eligible family members to receive up to a further €12500 (€15000 following review in September 2008) in aggregate. The services of the Adult Education Guidance Initiative personnel who are located throughout the country are fully available to former residents, to assist them in exploring the possible educational/personal development opportunities that applicants might access, through the support of this €10 million plus fund.
The Chairperson of the EFB, Mr Richard Langford, said, “The Minister for Education and Science established the Education Finance Board to ensure that former residents of certain institutions for children can now have opportunities that may not have been available to them in the past to access appropriate educational and personal development opportunities appropriate to their needs. I wish to thank the various support groups who have supported thousands of former residents over the last number of years and I am confident that they will actively partner the Board by encouraging their members to explore fully the opportunities that this fund may present.”
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Mr Brian Mooney a member of the Education Finance Board will be available to give media and press interviews on this matter and the published criteria. Brian is available on 087-7999971 or by email at mooneybrianj@eircom.net
Download the Criteria Documentation for awarding grants.
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