asked the Minister for Education the plans, if any, she has to change the third level grants system for the academic year 1988-89 in view of reports circulating that it is to be severely curtailed.
Written Answers. - Third Level Grants.
30.
I have no specific plans to curtail the number of higher education grants to be awarded for the academic year 1988-89. Grants will be awarded to students who satisfy in full the provisions of the scheme as to academic attainments, income limits, etc. The provisions of the scheme are reviewed annually prior to the circulation of a specimen scheme for adoption by the local rating authorities which are statutorily entrusted with the administration of the scheme. The Deputy may have in mind the interdepartmental review group which has been set up to examine the present criteria for assessment of eligibility on grounds of means under the higher education and related grant schemes. I am awaiting the report of this review group and when I receive it, I will give full and early consideration to its recommendations.