Vol. 457 No. 4
147 Mr. Martin asked the Minister for Education if she intends to amalgamate the three existing third level student support schemes as recommended by the report of the advisory committee on third level student support; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15555/95]
148 Mr. Martin asked the Minister for Education if she intends to facilitate the payment of student grants and scholarships monthly in advance into an account with a financial institution of the students' choice as recommended by the report of the advisory committee on third level student support; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15557/95]
149 Mr. Martin asked the Minister for Education if she intends to transfer the administration of the means test for student grants and scholarships to one central agency as recommended by the advisory committee on third level student support; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15558/95]
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 147, 148 and 149 together.
The amalgamation of the present schemes of third level student support is best achieved through arrangements to assign responsibility for the administration of the schemes to a single agency or group of agencies.
I have already indicated in the Dáil that it would be appropriate to review the advisory committee's recommendation for a central grant processing agency in the light of Government policy on public sector numbers and the changed education landscape which is planned for the future, including the establishment of regional education boards.
The issue of the most appropriate arrangements for the payment of student grants and scholarships would also fall to be considered in the context of the revised administrative arrangements.
