Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 19 Nov 2002

Vol. 557 No. 4

Written Answers. - Higher Education Grants.

Willie Penrose

Question:

255 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science the eligibility criteria laid down by his Department for the payment of the top up maintenance grant to third level students where a student's parents' income is about ?270 per week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22575/02]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. N. Dempsey)

The special rate of maintenance grant for disadvantaged students, usually referred to as "top-up" grants, were introduced with effect from the 2000-01 academic year. The target group of "those most in need" has been defined in terms of the dependants of people receiving long-term welfare payments, where the necessary conditions are fulfilled. The special rates of grant are also available to mature students who meet the prescribed conditions.

Earlier this year my Department carried out a review of the operation of the special rate of maintenance grant. This review also has had the benefit of input from the Department of Social and Family Affairs. Arising from the review, the income thresholds for the award of the special rate of grant were increased by 32%. In addition the criteria were broadened significantly and a number of additional social welfare payments have been included as eligible payments for the purpose of the scheme.

For the purpose of assessment under the terms of the scheme, applicants are divided into four groups as follows: grant holders assessed on parent(s) or guardian(s) income, other than those classified as mature; mature grant holders assessed on parent(s) income; mature grant holders assessed on own income; mature grant holders assessed on income of spouse or partner.

To qualify for the top-up grant all candidates must satisfy the following conditions: qualify for the ordinary maintenance grant in respect of the academic year 2002-03; total reckonable income limit in the tax year to 31 December 2001 must not exceed €9,190 net of standard exclusions, as set out in the 2002 maintenance grants schemes and net of CDA payments, where applicable; as at 31 December 2001, the reckonable income of parent(s) or guardian(s), the candidate himself or herself, or the income of the spouse or partner, as the case may be, must include one of the eligible social welfare payments prescribed under the scheme. My Department will forward full details of the eligibility criteria for the special rates of maintenance grant directly to the Deputy for his information.