Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 4 Dec 2002

Vol. 558 No. 5

Written Answers. - Higher Education Grants.

Paul McGrath

Question:

275 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if a student who has qualified for a higher education grant and whose parents are in receipt of short-term unemployment assistance at the rate of ?214.40 per week, that is, for father, mother and one other dependent child, will qualify for the higher special rate of maintenance grant applicable to families with low income; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25038/02]

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

The special rates 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 rates of maintenance grant. This review also 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 three main groups as follows: grant holders assessed on parent(s)/guardian(s) income – other than those classified as mature; mature grant holders assessed on parent(s) income; mature grant holders assessed on own income; and mature grant holders assessed on income of spouse or partner.

To qualify for the top-up grant in respect of the current, 2002-03, academic year, all candidates must satisfy the following conditions: qualify for the ordinary maintenance grant in respect of 2002-03; total reckonable income in the tax year ended 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; and the reckonable income of parent(s)/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.

If a person in receipt of the ordinary maintenance grant considers that s/he may be eligible for the special rate of maintenance grant, s/he should apply to the relevant local authority or VEC which approved the ordinary grant. My Department will forward full details of the eligibility criteria under the special rates of maintenance grant scheme directly to the Deputy for his information.