Gay Mitchell
Question:265 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will make a statement addressing the concerns of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 regarding free education. [2449/03]
Written Answers. - Higher Education Grants.
The issues raised in the relevant correspondence, referred to by the Deputy, relate to student supports, accommodation for students and free medical care for all third level students. At present my Department is conducting a review of student support provisions aimed at ensuring that the benefits of the substantial investment being made are maximised. This review will cover a range of topics relating to the schemes of student support including the level of maintenance grants, eligibility, income limits with respect to the grants, the free fees initiative and will consider various options taking into account international experiences in this field, including the issue of loans.
Officials of my Department are conducting the review. Some issues require the engagement of external expertise. In this regard, the ESRI will undertake work on a number of issues relevant to the review. Relevant recently published reports will also inform the work of the review group. It is anticipated that the review will be completed in time to give sufficient notice of decisions which will impact on students intending to enter third level education in the 2003-04 academic year.
Decisions regarding increases in income thresholds and maintenance grant levels, or in relation to the schemes of student support generally, will not be taken pending completion of this review. My Department does not provide direct financial assistance for the provision of student accommodation.
In recognition of the difficulties students can experience in obtaining accommodation and following consultation with third level colleges, a special tax incentive was introduced to encourage the provision of dedicated student residential accommodation in section 50 of the Finance Act 1999.
The tax incentive is available for expenditure up to 31 December 2004 where an application for planning permission is received by a planning authority by 30 September 2003. Therefore the opportunity exists to create significant additional accommodation for third level students.
The rent-a-room relief scheme was introduced in the Finance Act 2001. It allows homeowners rent out a room in their homes and have rental income of up to €7,620 a year tax free. The scheme encourages householders to rent rooms to students.
The provision of free medical care for third level students is an issue which is appropriate to my colleague, the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Martin.