Vol. 563 No. 1
358 Ms Harkin asked the Minister for Education and Science the details of the arrangements he has in place for conducting the review of State financial support for third level students; the persons conducting this review; the representative bodies with which consultations are taking place; and if submissions were sought from interested members of the public. [7388/03]
The review of student support provisions is currently being undertaken within my Department, 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."
The review is considering various options, including a review of schemes in operation in a number of OECD countries. 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 has undertaken work to enable my Department to estimate the cost of various options. The review is one being undertaken by my Department officials who are having regard to all relevant reports and policy documents, including the report of the Action Group on Access to Third Level Education which was launched in July 2001. The action group members, who were representative of a large number of interest groups and bodies, sought and considered a large number of submissions. Accordingly, consultations have not taken place with outside bodies nor have submissions been sought.
359 Ms Harkin asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the additional financial and other forms of hardship incurred by those non-grant holding third level students who, for geographical reasons, must live away from home in order to avail of third level education; and the way in which he proposes to take this factor into account in any re-arrangement of State support for third level students. [7389/03]
My Department funds three means tested maintenance grant schemes for third level education students in respect of attendance on approved courses in approved third level institutions and one maintenance grant scheme in respect of students attending approved post leaving certificate courses. Students who are entering approved courses at undergraduate or postgraduate level for the first time are eligible for maintenance grants where they satisfy the relevant conditions as to residence, means, nationality and previous academic attainments.
Apart from the maintenance grants schemes and the free fees initiative, under which my Department meets the cost of tuition fees for eligible undergraduate students in approved institutions, financial support is also available to students in approved third level institutions through the student assistance fund. The objectives of the fund, which is ESF aided, are to assist students, in a sensitive and compassionate manner, who might otherwise, due to their financial circumstances, be unable to continue their third level studies.
My Department is at present conducting a review of student support provisions aimed at 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."
