Dinny McGinley
Question:77 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Education if she has any plans to amend the rules and regulations governing higher education grants; and if she has satisfied herself with the present system.
Written Answers. - Higher Education Grants.
The third level student support schemes are currently under review as part of the process of preparing the 1993 schemes. All relevant matters are being examined in this review.
I am committed — within the constraints of Exchequer resources — to the elimination of inequities and anomalies from the schemes.
In that regard I have set up an Expert Advisory Group on third level student support specifically
(a) to recommend appropriate criteria for assessment of eligibility on grounds of means, with reference to equity and the financial capacity of parents and applicants to pay and
(b) to examine and make recommendations for the most effective and efficient organisational arrangements for the administration of the scheme.
The Group comprises:—Chairperson: Dr. Dónal de Buitleír, Head, Group Taxation, Allied Irish Banks, Members: Dr. Pat Clancy, Lecturer in Social Science, University College Dublin; Professor Damien Hannon, Economic and Social Research Institute; Sr. Teresa McCormack, Director, Educational Office, Conference of Major Religious Superior; Mr. Seán Moriarty, Assistant Secretary, Office of the Revenue Commissioners; Professor Frances Ruane, Trinity College Dublin and Director, Foundation for Fiscal Studies; Secretary: Ms Michelle Shannon, Higher Executive Officer, Department of Education.
In preparing its report the group is working closely with and drawing on the expertise of Department officials and has invited submissions from all interested parties.
The first meeting of the group took place on 28 April 1993 and meetings will take place fortnightly thereafter. The group is due to report in July and I will publish this report.