Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 15 Feb 2000

Vol. 514 No. 3

Written Answers. - Higher Education Grants.

Michael P. Kitt

Question:

319 Mr. M. Kitt asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of applications for higher education grants referred to his Department by local authorities and vocational education committees where there is difficulty in assessing the income of persons other than parents; the local authorities and committees involved; when decisions will be made on these applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3990/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods):

The higher education grants scheme has a provision to the effect that, in the case of a candidate other than an independent mature candidate, the candidate's reckonable income shall be that of the candidate and of the candidate's parents or guardians, except where the candidate's parents are divorced, legally separated or it is established to the satisfaction of the local authority that they are separated, in which case the candidate's reckonable income is taken as that of the candidate and of the parent with whom the candidate resides. The other student support schemes have a similar provision.

There are some 20 cases that have been referred to my Department by local authorities and vocational education committees where the candidate is not living with or being supported by their parents. The question of whose income, if any, should be reckoned for the purpose of deciding whether a candidate is eligible for a higher education grant arises in these cases.

My officials are considering the various issues raised in these cases and a report is being prepared for my consideration. I will advise the Deputy of the outcome.