Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 Jun 1998

Vol. 492 No. 7

Written Answers. - Higher Education Grants.

Denis Naughten

Question:

28 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has to increase third level maintenance grants in view of a recent report on student poverty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14952/98]

Liz McManus

Question:

29 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason it is proposed to increase the level of third level grants by less than 2 per cent when the anticipated level of inflation is well in excess of this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14981/98]

Liam Burke

Question:

58 Mr. L. Burke asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on whether the level of maintenance paid to those on higher education grants is sufficient to support a family on low income in maintaining a student at third level. [14959/98]

Denis Naughten

Question:

105 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will reconsider his decision to increase third level maintenance grants by less than 2 per cent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14953/98]

Marian McGennis

Question:

350 Ms M. McGennis asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has for increases and changes in higher education grants. [15079/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 28, 29, 58, 105 and 350 together.

The 1998 third level student support schemes have recently been issued to local authorities and vocational education committees. It has been the practice in recent years to increase maintenance grants in line with inflation as measured by the change in the consumer price index for the period mid-February to mid-February each year. The inflation figure as provided by the Central Statistics Office for the period mid-February 1997 to mid-February 1998 was 1.7 per cent. The value of the maintenance grant was therefore increased by 1.7 per cent.

It has also been the practice in recent years to increase the reckonable income limits in line with movements in the average industrial wage. The figures are provided by the Central Statistics Office and are computed in each case to March of the previous year. The average industrial wage increase for the period March 1996 to March 1997 was 3.2 per cent. The reckonable income limits for the 1998-99 academic year were, therefore, increased by 3.2 per cent.

This increase was also applied to the allowance by which the income limits may be increased in respect of other family members pursuing a course of study. The definition of eligible courses in this regard has also been extended.

I am committed to ongoing improvements in the third level student support schemes, including increasing the value of maintenance grants and increasing the income limits as resources permit. The Deputies will appreciate that such improvements must have regard to overall resource constraints and competing needs generally in the education sector.

As I have said previously, I have identified the creation of additional third level places as my priority at third level. To this end, I point out that I have already increased the number of places at third level by 8,000. I have also given a commitment to introduce maintenance grants for post-leaving certificate students. Details of this new scheme will be available shortly.