Written Answers. - Means Testing for ESF Grants.
Proinsias De Rossa
Question:
38
Proinsias De Rossa
asked the
Minister for Education
if his attention has been drawn to the views expressed by a wide range of organisations at a recent press conference convened by the National Parents Council which were strongly critical of the proposals to means test ESF grants; if he will outline his response to the views expressed; if he will confirm that members of the public service union IMPACT have decided not to administer the means test; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I am aware of the concern expressed by the National Parents Council and by IMPACT.
I fully share their concern that the needs of the lower paid should be adequately addressed under the various student support schemes.
Means testing as applied under such schemes is intended to ensure that available resources are directed towards those most in need. Such means testing was intended for ESF support schemes to ensure that an increasing number of students from lower paid groups could be accommodated within the limit of resources available.
In addition, as I have already announced, I am having the schemes reviewed with the following objectives:
—The overall aim will be to ensure equity within and between the different schemes. The review will include the removal of any outstanding barriers which may militate against students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
—To the extent that it is practicable and affordable it will seek to address the particular financial pressures on students from the lower to middle-income families.
—The review will, in particular;
—re-examine the financial criteria for eligibility for student grants,
—develop more equitable means assessment criteria.
But the same rules must apply to all.
The review is now well advanced and the Minister expects to be in a position to bring proposals to Government shortly.
