Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 17 Jun 1999

Vol. 506 No. 4

Written Answers. - Student Support Schemes.

Gay Mitchell

Question:

102 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science if a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6W will be financially assisted with his accommodation expenses in view of the circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15670/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

The student in question was assessed as an independent mature student and is in receipt of a full maintenance grant from Dublin Corporation since 1996-97, in respect of his studies in the UK.

Under the existing terms of the student support schemes, the rate of maintenance grant payable is determined by reference to the distance from the student's normal residence to the college which she or he is attending. In the case of independent mature students, normal residence is defined as the address of the candidate while in attendance at college. If this address is 15 miles or less from the college which she or he is attending, the adjacent rate of maintenance grant is payable. If the address is more than 15 miles from the college, the non-adjacent rate of grant is payable. As the student in question lives within 15 miles of the college, the grant has been awarded at the adjacent rate.

I previously indicated my concern about mature students generally and independent mature students in particular in regard to the rate of grant payable in accordance with the provisions of the schemes. With effect from the coming academic year all eligible mature students will qualify for the higher non-adjacent rate of maintenance grant. This improvement is estimated to cost £2.4 million over the next two years. The new arrangements will be provided for in the context of the 1999 student support schemes, which will be available shortly. Dublin Corporation will be in contact with the student in question, in due course, regarding the new rates.