Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 16 Dec 1998

Vol. 498 No. 5

Written Answers. - Student Support Schemes.

Richard Bruton

Question:

207 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the problem that, when students have diploma and degree options under consideration, they often are treated as late applications if they lodge their grant application with one grant authority, for example, a vocational education committee and subsequently choose a course under the jurisdiction of another, for example, under the local authority scheme; and if he will make arrangements for a speedy clearance system among grant approving bodies. [28001/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

I accept that the current administration of the student support schemes should be improved. As the Deputy is aware, a joint working group involving officials from my Department and the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs carried out an examination of various options and the possible role of that Department in a new system. Following their preliminary report, our officials are undertaking a more detailed review. This review will involve the participation of interested parties. I have previously indicated that no irrevocable decisions will be taken in relation to future arrangements without appropriate consultation with all interested parties.

On the specific issue raised by the Deputy I understand when a candidate makes an application to one grant administering body which subsequently has to be transferred to another body as a result of a change in the course option a candidate chooses, the application is dealt with as speedily and efficiently as possible, bearing in mind the volume of applications in hand at that time.