Liam Aylward
Question:376 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has considered the appeal of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow in respect of a higher education grant. [26611/99]
Written Answers. - Higher Education Grants.
The student to whom the Deputy refers applied to Carlow County Council for a grant under the higher education grants scheme 1999 and was turned down on the basis that the reckonable income in his case exceeded the income limits attached to the scheme. He is appealing the decision of the county council on the basis that, to establish his reckonable income, medical expenses incurred by the family should be deducted from gross income.
The assessment of means under the third level student support schemes is based on gross income with certain deductions for specified social welfare and health board payments. The means testing arrangements of the third level student support schemes, which are uniformly applied, do not allow for personal expenses such as medical expenses to be taken into account when assessing income.
My officials have confirmed that the student in question will not qualify for grant assistance on the basis of reckonable income in this case.