asked the Minister for Education if she will draw up a new higher education grant scheme in view of the dissatisfaction among many parents with the present system.
Written Answers. - Higher Education Grant Scheme.
258.
I have no specific plans for a new higher education grant scheme for the academic year 1988/89. Grants will be awarded to students who satisfy in full the provisions of the existing 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 inter-departmental review group which was set up to examine the present criteria for assessment of eligibility on grounds of means under the higher education and related grant schemes. I have received the report of this review group and I will give full and early consideration to its recommendations.