Skip to main content
Normal View

Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 13 Feb 2003

Vol. 561 No. 3

Written Answers. - Higher Education Grants.

Ciarán Cuffe

Question:

118 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans to replace all fees relating to third level education with direct Exchequer support. [4137/03]

Ciarán Cuffe

Question:

119 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans to raise the third level maintenance grant significantly in order to cover the basic living costs of students. [4138/03]

Ciarán Cuffe

Question:

120 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans to increase the income thresholds in order to allow more people to qualify for the third level maintenance grant. [4139/03]

Ciarán Cuffe

Question:

122 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans to reintroduce free medical care for all third level students here. [4141/03]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 118 to 120, inclusive, and 122 together.

A review of student support provisions is under way, with the aim of ensuring that the benefits of the substantial investment being made are maximised in accordance with the following terms of reference: to review the present system of tuition fees and student supports, having regard to international experience, in order to provide options for the Minister's consideration with a view to ensuring greater equity in access to and participation in higher education.
This review will cover a broad range of topics relating to the schemes of student support including the level of maintenance grants, eligibility, income limits with respect to the grants and 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. However, some issues require the engagement of external expertise. In this regard, the Economic and Social Research Institute is undertaking 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 hoped that the review will be completed in time to give sufficient notice of decisions which will affect students intending to enter third level education in the 2003-04 academic year. The provision of free medical care for third level students is a matter appropriate to my colleague, the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Martin.
Top
Share