Vol. 505 No. 3
286 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will ensure that local authorities particularly Dublin Corporation pay higher education grants quickly in order to avoid hardship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13733/99]
The higher education maintenance grant is paid by the local authority in three equal instalments as early as possible in each term of the academic year. The individual payable orders are addressed to the grantholder c/o the bursar's office of the college. I understand that Dublin Corporation paid the first instalment of the 1998-99 awards to students whose grant was being renewed on 7 October and to first time applicants on the 14 October 1998. The second and third instalments issued to all students on 4 January and 9 April 1999 respectively. My officials have been assured by Dublin Corporation that every effort is made to issue grant payments as promptly as possible.
