Denis Naughten
Question:281 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the eligibility criteria for the mature student higher education grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2708/03]
Written Answers. - Higher Education Grants.
The higher education grant scheme operates under the Local Authorities (Higher Education Grants) Acts 1968 to 1992. Under these Acts a mature student is defined as a person of not less than 23 years of age on 1 January in the year of entry to an approved third level institution. The Acts further provide, inter alia, for the making of grants to mature students whose means and those of their parents, where the mature students are dependent on their parents, do not exceed prescribed limits.
Mature students are categorised as either independent mature students or mature students dependent on parents. An independent mature student is defined to mean a mature student who was not ordinarily resident at home with his or her parents/guardians from 1 October preceding their entry to an approved course. Independent mature students are deemed to be self supporting and are assessed without reference to either their parents/guardians income or address.
Under the means test provisions of the schemes, the reckonable income of a candidate, other than an independent mature candidate, is his or her gross income from all sources, and the gross income of his or her parents or guardians where applicable, with certain specified social welfare and health board payments being exempt.
Question No. 282 answered with Question No. 259.