Brian O'Shea
Question:174 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposals, if any, he has to change the system of processing third level grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25264/98]
Written Answers - Student Support Schemes.
I accept that the current administration of the student support schemes should be improved. In this regard, a joint working group involving officials from my Department and the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs carried out an examination of various options and the possible role of that Department in any new system. Towards the end of last year I received the preliminary report of this working group and following discussions with my colleague, the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs, our officials are undertaking a more detailed review. This review will involve the participation of interested parties. I have previously indicated that no irrevocable decisions will be taken in relation to any future arrangements without appropriate consultation with all interested parties.
I brought the recoupment arrangements for the local authorities to a current year basis in 1997, which improved the timeliness of payments to students. In this regard, I understand that all local authorities paid the first instalment of the maintenance grant to both new awardees and renewals by the end of October 1998.