asked the Minister for Education if she will change the regulations in relation to third level education grants where the highest level of grant is restricted to parents of six children or over, as it discriminates against large families of over six children: and if she will also consider recommending to the Minister for Finance that changes be made in the income tax system to allow parents obtain income tax relief in respect of legitimate costs encountered by families in sending their children to third level education.
Written Answers. - Third Level Education Grants.
21.
Mr. Cowen
The schemes of assistance for third level students which include a means test have as their aim the provision of assistance for students from families in a target income group only. The upper limit of income in the schemes for 1985 is £16.540. I would remind the Deputy that I have made improvements in the scheme of assistance in question for the present academic year (1985-86) viz:—
(a) the maintenance elements of grants were increased by 16 per cent,
(b) a tapering of eligibility limits was introduced whereby partial payment of fees was provided for, and
(c) the income eligibility limits were increased by 11 per cent.
The upper income eligibility limit was thus raised from £14,000 in the academic year 1984-85 to £16,540 in the scheme for 1985-86. In accordance with the provisions of the Government's national plan, Building on Reality, 1985-1987, the value of the maintenance elements of grants and the income eligibility limits will be indexed to inflation in 1986 and in 1987.
Having regard to the provisions of the present schemes the highest level of grant may be made available, not only to students from families in which there are six children or over, but to students from smaller families where the level of parental income warrants it. The question of changing the income tax system in any respect is a matter for the Minister for Finance.