Vol. 534 No. 4
224 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science if the special project team carrying out a comprehensive review of every aspect of maintenance grants and other student supports will report in time for decisions to be made on its recommendation in time for the 2001/2002 academic year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10875/01]
The remit of the special project team, to which the Deputy refers, is to carry out a comprehensive review of every aspect of the maintenance grants, and other student supports, to ensure their relevance to the needs of present day third level students.
This review, which is at present in progress, is a wide-ranging review covering many topics, some of which are the subject of frequent representations. These include the level of grants, the methods by which they are paid, eligibility and income limits, accommodation needs, student support services, the most suitable paying agency, the provision of an appeals system, student loans and taxation.
I will address issues relating to the implementation of the team's recommendations will be addressed when its report has been completed and considered by me and by officials of my Department.
