I propose to take Priority Questions Nos. 5, 22, 61, 72, 118 and 150 together.
I have already dealt with those aspects of Deputy Gilmore's question relating to the abolition of third level fees in my answer to priority questions.
The Advisory Committee on Third Level Student Support reported to me on 11 November 1993. Arising from my consideration of the committee's report I have already implemented a number of improvements in the student support arrangements such as the abolition of the separate attainments for eligibility for a grant; this will ensure that all students who have secured a college place will now qualify for a grant subject to their meeting the means test; the introduction of new rules for second chance cases; this is to ensure students who did not complete their initial studies will be eligible to apply for grants for second chance courses after five years; the provision of a discretionary budget in 1994 so as to set up a hardship fund with the third level institutions; and an increase in the income limits in line with the rise in the average industrial wage and in maintenance grants in line with inflation.
I also propose to implement the following further improvements: the processing of grant application and payments by the Central Applications Office; transfer of the means test to the Revenue Commissioners and transfer of the appeals function from the Minister for Education to the Appeal Commissioners appointed under tax law.
The group have made a number of other important recommendations which extend beyond the remit of my Department. I am addressing these recommendations in consultation with my colleague in Government. I intend to publish the group's report when the Government has completed consideration of its recommendations.
Subject to resource constraints I intend to continue to develop the schemes of student support particularly with a view to making them as equitable as possible.
