Vol. 419 No. 6
183 Mr. Byrne asked the Minister for Education the reason mature students who are currently studying and registered at a college, are deemed to be ineligible for grant assistance under his Department's scheme of grants for mature students commencing in October 1992; and if he will reconsider this situation as many mature students are struggling financially and were anticipating assistance as and from October 1992.
Higher Education Grants for 1992 and subsequent years will include provisions whereby for the award of grants: (i) Mature students who secure a place in a third-level institution will be regarded as satisfying the academic attainment requirements; (ii) the income eligibility of mature students who are not dependent on their parents will be assessed by reference to their own, and, if married, their spouses income.
184 Mr. Byrne asked the Minister for Education when he intends to introduce legislation to provide for the introduction of grants as announced by his Department for mature students who wish to enter third level education in 1992.
The legislation referred to by the Deputy, which involves a number of amendments to the Local Authorities (Higher Education Grants) Acts, 1968 and 1978, is being prepared at present.
It is hoped to have it enacted so as to provide for the relevant changes to be made in the Higher Education Grants Scheme for 1992 and subsequent years.
