Vol. 485 No. 2
369 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Education and Science whether a course (details supplied) in Derry is recognised for grant aid purposes; and if he will make a statement on future developments in grant aid for these courses. [23044/97]
Courses at BTEC higher national diploma level or equivalent offered at approved colleges in Northern Ireland may qualify for recognition under the scholarships scheme administered by vocational education committees.
If the course in question is of this level at an approved college, my Department will be prepared to consider an application for recognition from the relevant college authorities.
370 Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will review the means test for maintenance grants; if he will increase the level of grant aid in view of the fact that the system is inadequate and does not facilitate many who are in need of assistance with maintenance costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23045/97]
All aspects of third level student support are subject to ongoing review in my Department. Maintenance grants have been increased in recent years in line with changes in the consumer price index. Similarly, the reckonable income limits for grant eligibility have been increased in line with movements in the average industrial wage.
The question of the means test and increasing maintenance grants and income limits will be considered early next year in the context of drafting the student support schemes for the 1998-99 academic year.
