Richard Bruton
Question:230 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has made provision for reform of the higher education grant in the 2000 Estimates other than continuing indexation of thresholds and payments. [5556/00]
Written Answers. - Higher Education Grants.
In relation to the value of the higher education grant, I intend to follow the practice of recent years and increase third level maintenance grants in line with inflation as measured by the change in the consumer price index for the period mid-February to mid-February each year. I also intend to continue the practice in recent years of increasing the reckonable income limits in line with movements in the average industrial wage.
This approach will ensure that the real value of maintenance grants is maintained. The question of providing further additional increases to the value of maintenance grants can be considered only having regard to overall resource constraints and other competing demands in the education sector. In this regard, the Deputy will be aware that more than 40% of third level students qualify for maintenance grants.
The need to target resources at those most in need is well recognised and underpins this Government's approach to tackling disadvantage. There is provision within the national development plan for a third level access fund totalling £95 million over the period of the plan. This fund will provide for additional financial support for disadvantaged students on top of the existing maintenance grants schemes. I am developing proposals in relation to these financial supports and I will be announcing the details of the new arrangements in due course.
Richard Bruton
Question:231 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has to introduce a centralised assessment and payment service for higher education grants. [5557/00]
The Deputy will be aware that my officials have been engaged with officials of the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs in relation to options for the future administration of the various student support schemes. Furthermore, there is provision within the national development plan for a third level access fund, which will, inter alia, provide for additional financial support for disadvantaged students on top of the existing maintenance grants schemes. I am developing proposals in relation to these financial supports and I will be considering the administrative arrangements in this context.
As the Deputy will appreciate, there are major implications, for example, for the local authorities and vocational education committees, in any proposals to change the administration of the schemes. It is my intention, therefore, that there will be full consultation with all interested parties before any decisions are taken in relation to any future arrangements.