Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 20 Apr 2000

Vol. 518 No. 5

Written Answers. - Higher Education Grants.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

210 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will consider the introduction of a sliding scale where students who are only slightly over the income limit can receive a reduced grant in regard to third level grants in the interest of fairness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12173/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

The reckonable income limit for a full maintenance grant under the student support schemes for the 1999-2000 academic year is £19,200. A sliding scale of entitlement already exists whereby candidates who do not qualify for a full maintenance grant may qualify for a part-maintenance grant – 50% – in respect of which the income limit is £20,400. Where two or more children, or the candidate's parent, are attending full-time approved third level courses the above income limits may be increased by £2,160 where there are two such children, by £4,320 for three such children and so on, by increments of £2,160. The table below sets out full details of reckonable income limits for 1999.

Number of DependentChildren	Full Maintenance andFull Fees	Part Maintenance(50%) and Full Fees	Full Fees Only	Part Fee (50%) only
Less than 4	£19,200	£20,400	£23,000	£24,300
4 – 7	£21,100	£22,300	£24,900	£26,200
8 or more	£23,000	£24,300	£26,800	£28,100

I intend to follow the practice in recent years and increase the reckonable income limits in line with movements in the average industrial wage. I would point out to the Deputy that over 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.