Vol. 568 No. 1
137 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department has completed its review of student support provisions at third level; if it is intended to publish the findings of the review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15722/03]
The review of student support pro visions undertaken by my Department is being finalised. When I have had an opportunity to consider the contents of the review I intend to bring the matter to Cabinet. Following its consideration by Government I will make a determination about publication.
The Deputy will be aware that on 25 May I announced a package of measures costing €42 million in a full year to address the problem of disadvantage in third level education. The package comprises an increase in the maintenance grant levels by 15%; a significant increase in the income thresholds for purposes of determining grant eligibility and an expansion in the number of thresholds, benefiting a greater number of students; an increase in the top income threshold from €36,897 to €40,000, ensuring that a significantly higher number of students from households with moderate incomes will not have to pay the €670 student service charge; and an increase in the amount of the higher rate of the top-up grant to the level of the maximum personal rate of unemployment assistance – approximately 7,500 grant holders will benefit under this measure.
