Vol. 544 No. 3
494 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 374 of 5 July 2001, a special project team has reported; if he will publish its report; the main conclusions of the report; and the action he will take on foot of the report. [28920/01]
The review of the maintenance grants, and other student supports, referred to by the Deputy, which is being undertaken by a project team is not, as yet, completed. The review is wide ranging, covering many topics. 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.
Some of these topics are, of their nature, complex and require detailed research. As part of the review, the Economic and Social Research Institute was commissioned to undertake research on the effect of changes in the income thresholds and on related matters. The report's findings have informed the work of the project team and drafting of the team's report is now under way. Issues relating to the implementation of the team's recommendations will be addressed when its report has been completed. The question of publishing the report will also be addressed at that time.
