Vol. 501 No. 3
344 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will introduce a means tested payment for multiple births where these students are entering third level education in view of the fact that there are now means tested payments at age four entering primary level and age 12 entering secondary level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5828/99]
I understand that the payments referred to by the Deputy are universal payments made by the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs under the child benefit scheme.
The third level student support schemes operated under the aegis of my Department provide a means tested maintenance grant to eligible students who are pursuing approved third level courses. To qualify the candidate's reckonable income and that of his or her parents or guardians, where applicable, must be below the relevant income limit, which varies for the level of grant and in relation to the number of dependent children in the family. Different limits apply where there are less than four dependent children, between four and seven dependent children, and eight or more dependent children. Furthermore, where there are two or more children attending full-time third level education or other specified courses, the relevant income limits are increased by £2,060 where there are two such children, £4,120 for three children and so on, by increments of £2,060.
In these circumstances, I have no plans to introduce a payment along the lines suggested by the Deputy.
