Vol. 508 No. 1
913 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on whether the ruling that those who reside less that 15 miles from a third level institution are not entitled to a maintenance grant is discriminatory against those living in rural areas, particularly when there is no access to public transport to and from college; and if he will abolish the 15 mile exclusion ruling in these circumstances. [18051/99]
Under the terms of the student support schemes, maintenance grants are payable to eligible students at either the adjacent or the non-adjacent rate. Except in the case of mature students, the adjacent rate of maintenance grant is payable where the grant-holder's normal residence is 15 miles or less from the college being attended. The non-adjacent rate of maintenance grant is payable in all other cases. Prior to 1995, students who were residing more than 15 miles from the college and who could reasonably be expected to travel to college from each day having regard to the journey and available transport, were only entitled to the adjacent rate of maintenance grant. The schemes of third level student support, since 1995, provide that the non-adjacent rate would be payable in all circumstances where the student resides more than 15 miles from college.
