Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 12 Dec 2000

Vol. 528 No. 1

Written Answers. - Disadvantaged Status.

Pat Carey

Question:

410 Mr. P. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science the criteria used for allocating additional top up grants to students from disadvantaged areas who proceed to third level education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29494/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

There is provision within the national development plan for a third level access fund totalling £95 million over the period of the plan, aimed at tackling under-representation by students from disadvantaged backgrounds, mature students and students with disabilities.

I recently established an action group on access to third level education with the aim of tackling under-representation of disadvantaged students. This action group will advise me on the development of a co-ordinated framework to promote participation at third level by these students. I have asked the group to provide a report to me within three months.

As an indication of the Government's support in promoting equity in access and as a purely initial step, pending the findings of the action group, I announced the introduction of a special maintenance grant payable to disadvantaged grant holders, targeted at those most in need. The full rate of the special maintenance grant will increase from £1,775 to £2,000 for students residing more than 15 miles from college; and from £710 to £1,000 for students resident within 15 miles of college.

I have indicated that I would expect that some 10,000 students will benefit from this measure. This is, of course, a tentative estimate and the actual number of students to benefit will depend on the outcome to the action group's work. The group's terms of reference require that it advise me,inter alia, on the development of targeted interventions and actions and the identification and tracking of the target groups.

The action group will advise on the operational details of the measure and, in the meantime, it is not necessary for grantholders to apply for the special rate of maintenance grant. Once details have been finalised, arrangements will be made by my Department to ensure that all qualifying grantholders are placed on the special rate of maintenance grant.