Vol. 518 No. 4
123 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposals he has to introduce a central grants authority to administer all grant payments in view of the fact the current system is haphazard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11748/00]
238 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will consider the establishment of a central authority in order to ensure uniformity of treatment, processing and payment in view of the wide disparity in the operation of the existing third level grant schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12174/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 123 and 238 together.
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 Deputies 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.
