Scholarships for children of fallen service personnel

SCHOLARSHIPS for the children of deceased military personnel will be extended to Northern Ireland, says Employment and Leanring Minister Danny Kennedy.

Children of servicemen and women killed on active duty will benefit from higher and further education scholarships.

The Minister said that the scheme which the Coalition Government announced for Great Britain would now take effect in Northern Ireland.

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The scholarships, worth up to 7,125 a year, would be available for university degrees and vocational college courses.

The Minister said: "My Department has a remit to support higher and further education, which includes scholarships for individuals.

"I have agreed with the Ministry of Defence that the scholarships for deceased military personnel will be extended to service families in Northern Ireland. I was determined that Northern Ireland would not be left out.

"In recent times, the all-too familiar scene of coffins returning to the UK, reminds us of how great a cost service personnel pay when they put themselves in harm's way to defend their country."

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Mr Kennedy continued: "Young people here in Northern Ireland, from across our entire community, have fathers and mothers serving in the armed forces.

"This scholarship announcement highlights my commitment to ensuring our Armed Forces and their families have the support they need." The scheme will be administered by the Ministry of Defence with DEL will reimbursing the costs.