Vol. 497 No. 2
418 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the index used for revising the rate of maintenance and the income thresholds of the higher education grant; and the 12 month period over which these were measured. [24871/98]
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 for the 1998-9 academic year.
419 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the defining criteria for a course to be designated as a post leaving certificate course eligible for fee and maintenance grants; and if courses provided by private and private voluntary colleges are eligible to have courses approved for grant aid. [24872/98]
Under the terms of the European Social Fund aided maintenance grants scheme for students attending post leaving certifcate courses, an "approved course" means a full-time post leaving certificate course of at least one year duration which is approved by the Minister for Education and Science for the purposes of the scheme.
I have approved all the post leaving certificate courses which are funded under the ESF arrangements for inclusion in the maintenance grants schemes. There are courses provided in voluntary secondary schools which are included in these arrangements. The criteria which determine the inclusion of post leaving certificate courses in the ESF arrangements include such considerations as the entry level to the course, the duration of the course, the level of training provided on the course, the relevance of the course content to labour market needs, the work experience and placement arrangements, the links with outside agencies, adequate resourcing and quality assurance procedures.
I would point out to the Deputy that there are no tuition fees payable by students attending approved post leaving certificate courses.
420 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if the Estimates for 1999 make provisions for an increase in income thresholds and maintenance levels of higher education grants; if the increase provided for is based upon indexation or for additional increases beyond indexation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24873/98]
The abridged Estimates which were published recently do not generally represent the total planned provision for public expenditure. It is normal practice for the Government to review and adjust the expenditure provisions in the context of finalising the budget and in the light of more up-to-date outturn figures. Moreover, the Estimates provisions are only the first stage in the process of determining specific allocations, improvements and initiatives across all sectors of education. This process will extend over the next number of months and I will convey the necessary details as decisions are taken.
It has been the practice in recent years, instituted by the last Government, to increase maintenance grants 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.
