Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 12 Nov 1996

Vol. 471 No. 4

Written Answers - Third Level Allowance Scheme.

Seamus Brennan

Question:

238 Mr. S. Brennan asked the Minister for Social Welfare if his attention has been drawn to the case of a recently separated woman (details supplied) in Dublin 18 who has been turned down for the third level allowance scheme for mature students; if his attention has further been drawn to the non-eligibility of this lady for any social welfare payment in view of the fact that she has no dependent children or eligible insurance contributions and will be applying for supplementary welfare; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that she has completed the first year of a three-year degree course which had been paid by her husband before he left the marital home; his views on whether this case is one of exceptional need and, as such, should be reviewed on the basis of a discretionary decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20424/96]

Minister for Social Welfare (Proinsias De Rossa)

The conditions for receipt of the third level allowance require that a person be in receipt of an unemployment payment (or lone parent allowance or deserted wife's benefit) for at least six months; that she-he attend an approved course at an approved third level institution and that she-he be 21 years or over at the commencement of the course. The scheme provides an opportunity for those who meet the conditions to receive a payment equivalent to the maximum rate of unemployment benefit while attending a full-time course of study.

From the information provided it would appear that the person concerned is not in receipt of any payment from my Department. However, I am arranging for an officer of my Department to meet the person concerned to review her circumstances in detail and discuss possible options for the future. In relation to the third level allowance scheme the point raised by the Deputy will be kept in mind in the context of the ongoing review of the scheme.