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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 13 Jun 1991

Vol. 409 No. 8

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - ESF Maintenance Grants.

Patrick McCartan

Question:

9 Mr. McCartan asked the Minister for Education if she has any plans to increase the level of maintenance grants paid to those on ESF courses to bring them into line with the minimum levels of income for a single person, as recommended by the Commission on Social Welfare; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

The rate of maintenance grant paid under the ESF scheme is equivalent to the maximum rate payable under the higher education grants scheme. Increases in line with inflation are being applied annually to these rates, including in the present year, despite severe budgetary constraints.

The Minister has not really answered the question. She is simply telling me that the rate of maintenance grant payable under the ESF scheme is equivalent to the maximum rate payable under the higher education grants scheme. How can a person maintain himself on an insufficient grant? What is the level of income for a single person maintaining himself as laid down by the Commission on Social Welfare? Is the Minister considering the problems of maintenance for those on ESF courses and the need for greater levels of income, particularly for mature students? Is a scheme being considered whereby they can achieve the same level of grant as a single person in receipt of social welfare?

As I understand it, the Commission on Social Welfare dealt with social welfare matters and the European Social Fund was to provide a measure of education and training. There will always be a need for more money but, as I said since the scheme was introduced, increases have been in line with inflation. They are the criteria which have been adopted in regard to the European Social Fund.

When the Minister speaks about increasing the grants in line with inflation, what percentage increase will that mean this year?

It was 4.2 per cent last year, which was in excess of the CPI. We will be doing it shortly for the coming year.

Would the Minister not accept——

Deputy Mac Giolla is offering again.

The Minister replied that the Commission on Social Welfare dealt with social welfare matters: that is correct. They were talking about what it costs to maintain a single person on a full-time education course. My question asked if her Department have not considered what is required to maintain a single person on a full-time course?

The criteria for working out what one pays on educational grants, whether under the higher education grants scheme or in the third level VEC colleges, is worked out according to established criteria. The Deputy asked for the rate. I do not have the social welfare rate with me. We have worked out our educational rates.

Would it be about £60 per week?

Let us come to Question No. 10.

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