asked the Minister for Education the income limits in relation to the provision of free post-primary education for island schools.
8.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Education Grants.
7.
asked the Minister for Education if he is satisfied that an income limit of £1,300 for grant purposes for island children attending secondary boarding schools is adequate and realistic.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 7 and 8 together.
The school boarding grant comprises three constituent grants: (a) a grant towards the tuition element of the boarding school fee; (b) a grant in aid of maintenance; (c) an additional allowance in aid of maintenance in the case of a necessitous child. No income limit applies in regard to (a) and (b).
With effect from the commencement of the current school year the regulations require that for receipt of the additional allowance at (c) parental income must not exceed £1,500 per annum.
Can the Minister tell us if social welfare allowances are included when estimating the income in the case of the £1,300 mentioned?
Income from all sources is taken into account.
Is the Minister aware that at the present time a number of schools are carrying these children because grants are not sufficient? Does he propose to do anything to alleviate this situation?
The Deputy may not have heard my answer to the question. I have done.
Are deserted wife's allowances and/or children's allowances computed for the purpose of income limits in regard to any grants of this nature?
Income from all sources is calculated.
In circumstances where the only income is the deserted wife's and normal children's allowances, can that disqualify a child of such a household from getting assistance?
There is an element of calculation of an amount in respect of children involved in coming to the calculation of the income.
I am asking a specific question. Are the children of a deserted wife with a large family —who has no income other than her deserted wife's and children's allowances—debarred from getting assistance?
No differentiation is made.
The Minister has not answered my question.