Higher Education Grants.

Wednesday, 24 September 2008

Questions (1653)

Michael Ring

Question:

1736 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans to amend the reckonable income limits for the purposes of the special rate of maintenance grant in respect of the 2008 to 2009 academic year to ensure that families whose sole income is from social welfare will be eligible for the top-up payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30436/08]

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Written answers

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)

The process of reviewing income limits for the ordinary and Special Rate of Maintenance Grants has been recently completed in my Department and will apply for the 2008/09 academic year. The current income limit for the Special Rate of Maintenance Grant has been sutstantially increased by 1.6% from €18,055 to €20,147.