Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 12 Feb 1991

Vol. 404 No. 9

Written Answers. - Higher Education Grants Scheme.

Theresa Ahearn

Question:

32 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Education if she intends to review the higher education grant system, as carried out by local authorities, with a view to a speedier method of processing applications and to ensure greater equality in the system.

Minister for Education (Mrs. O'Rourke)

In the Programme for Economic and Social Progress the Government have undertaken to re-examine a number of areas of the higher education grants scheme in the context of equity and equality of treatment under the scheme. The precise details of these are at present being worked out and I will be making an announcement in the matter in due course.

My Department are not aware of any undue delay in the general processing of applications by local authorites, who are statutorily entrusted with the administration of the higher education grants scheme. However, if the Deputy is aware of difficulties in an individual case I would be pleased to take the matter up with the concerned authority on receipt of the relevant information.