Student Grant Scheme Eligibility

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 October 2012

Tuesday, 23 October 2012

Questions (225)

Michael McCarthy

Question:

225. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties caused by changes made to adjacent and non-adjacent rates of third level grants for some students in areas such as west Cork; his views on a system that awards the grant on a more graduated basis relative to distance from university; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45944/12]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

Under Budget 2011, the qualifying distance criterion for the non-adjacent rate of student grant increased from 24kms to 45kms. The proposal to amend the distance to qualify for the higher non-adjacent rate to 45km took into account a reasonable radius in which students could be expected to commute on a daily basis. There are no plans at present to revise the distance criteria.