Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 16 Oct 1996

Vol. 470 No. 2

Written Answers. - Third Level Allowance.

Liam Aylward

Question:

145 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will increase the amount of third level allowance awarded to a regional technical college mature student (details supplied) attending college in Germany who in view of the high cost of living in Germany finds that her third level allowance, her higher education allowance and European social fund grant are insufficient to meet her needs. [18794/96]

Minister for Social Welfare (Proinsias De Rossa)

The third level allowance is an educational opportunities scheme for people aged 21 or over, who wish to pursue a third level course. Those approved receive a payment equivalent to their unemployment payment, while attending a full-time third level course of studies. As a further incentive, higher education grants are not assessable as means for third level allowance purposes.

The person in question is in receipt of the maximum rate of allowance and there is no facility to pay a rate higher than the maximum permitted under the third level allowance scheme.