Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 14 May 1992

Vol. 419 No. 7

Written Answers. - Higher Education Grants.

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

16 Mr. D'Arcy asked the Minister for Education if he proposes an upward revision of the income qualifying guidelines for the higher education grants scheme in view of the recent announcement of university fee increases; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Paul McGrath

Question:

48 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Education if he proposes an upward revision of the income qualifying guidelines for the higher education grants scheme in view of the recent announcement of university fee increases; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Ivan Yates

Question:

58 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Education if he proposes an upward revision of the income qualifying guidelines for the higher education grants scheme in view of the recent announcement of university fee increases; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Joseph Doyle

Question:

66 Mr. Doyle asked the Minister for Education if he proposes an upward revision of the income qualifying guidelines for the higher education grants scheme in view of the recent announcement of university fee increases; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Godfrey Timmins

Question:

71 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Education if he proposes an upward revision of the income qualifying guidelines for the higher education grants scheme in view of the recent announcement of university fee increases; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Monica Barnes

Question:

81 Mrs. Barnes asked the Minister for Education if he proposes an upward revision of the income qualifying guidelines for the higher education grants scheme in view of the recent announcement of university fee increases; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Brendan McGahon

Question:

84 Mr. McGahon asked the Minister for Education if he proposes an upward revision of the income qualifying guidelines for the higher education grants scheme in view of the recent announcement of university fee increases; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Jim Higgins

Question:

101 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Education if he proposes an upward revision of the income qualifying guidelines for the higher education grants scheme in the light of the recent announcement of university fee increases; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Mr. S. Brennan)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 16, 48, 58, 66, 71, 81, 84, and 101 together.

The income eligibility limits for the Higher Education Grants Scheme is one of the issues being considered by my Department at present as part of a review of students support schemes generally.

I recognise that the income limits of the 1991/92 higher education scheme are relatively low and I am committed to improving the scheme within the limits of available resources.

I would also refer the Deputies to the package of measures to remedy inequities in existing students support schemes which has already been announced and which provides for a number of important changes to be introduced as and from the 1992 Higher Education Grants Scheme, including: the income eligibility ceiling for families will be increased by £2,000 for each child after the first child attending third level education; and income eligibility will be assessed on both the income and income limits of the year of entry to third level rather than as heretofore, the income limits in the year in which the students sat the Leaving Certificate.