The Education (Student Support) (Northern Ireland) Order 1998 (Commencement No. 2 and Transitional Provisions) Order (Northern Ireland) 1998

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Order)

This Order brings into operation on 1st January 1999 the provisions of the Education (Student Support) (Northern Ireland) Order 1998 specified in Article 2. These provisions relate to the repeal of Article 50(1) and (2) of the Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 1986, and a minor consequential repeal in Article 50(3). This will facilitate the change from education and library board awards under the 1986 Order to financial support for students under Article 3 of the 1998 Order, in the form of means tested grants for fees and loans for maintenance provided by the Department of Education.

Articles 3 and 4 contain transitional and saving provisions, ensuring that payments will continue to be made pursuant to awards made under Article 50(1) and (2) of the 1986 Order before the repeal of that Article. They also ensure that awards may be made after its repeal in respect of courses beginning before 1st September 1999, and in respect of certain first degree and postgraduate courses for the initial training of teachers beginning after that date. In particular the power to make or amend regulations under the 1986 Order is preserved in relation to awards made under it.