Vol. 536 No. 3
251 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the position of the additional grant structure promised in September 2000 by him for persons from disadvantaged areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14277/01]
253 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has considered the recommendations of the action group on access to third level education; when the special maintenance grant increase will be payable; if the increase will be automatic; if the new grant rates will be backdated to September 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14279/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 251 and 253 together.
There is a provision within the national development plan for a third level access fund totalling £95 million over the period 2000 to 2006 aimed at tackling under-representation by students from disadvantaged backgrounds, mature students and students with disabilities in third level education. The objective of this measure is to facilitate and to improve access to the labour market for the beneficiaries, whilst improving their long-term employability.
Last September I appointed an action group on access to third level education to advise me on the development of a co-ordinated framework to promote access by students from the three target groups. The group was asked to advise on the specific interventions which would be most effective in making further progress in this area. I have recently received the report of the action group and I am at present considering its recommendations.
As an indication of the Government's support in promoting equity in access and, as an initial step pending the findings of the action group, I announced last September the introduction of a special maintenance grant payable to disadvantaged grant holders, targeted at those most in need. The action group's report contains recommendations on the eligibility criteria governing the category of students who should qualify for the special rate of grant and on the appropriate rates to be paid. My Department is finalising the administrative arrangements necessary to ensure that the special rates of maintenance grant will be made available as soon as possible.
The special rates of maintenance grant will be applied to qualifying grant holders with effect from the 2000-2001 academic year.
