Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 November 2013
316. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills the amount of funding his Department would need if an allowance was given for the second and subsequent child in third level education for those seeking the special rate of maintenance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46404/13]
View answer317. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason an allowance is not given for the second and subsequent child in third level education in the assessment for the special rate of maintenance grant; like it is with the other levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46406/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 316 and 317 together.
The Report of the Action Group on Access to Third Level Education made detailed recommendations concerning the introduction of special rates of maintenance grants for disadvantaged students.
The target group of "those most in need" was defined in terms of the dependants of people receiving long-term welfare payments, where the necessary conditions are fulfilled.
The qualifying criteria for the special rate of maintenance grant in the 2013/14 academic year as specified under the 2013 student grant scheme is as follows:
1. Student must qualify for the standard rate of grant
2. Total reckonable income net of income disregards and Child Dependant Increase must not exceed €22,703
3. As at 31st December, 2012, the reckonable income must include one of the eligible long-term social welfare payments prescribed in the Student Grant Scheme.
When calculating reckonable income for the standard rate of grant, payments made by the Department of Social Protection in respect of child dependants are included in the income calculation. However, where additional dependants are attending an approved full-time course, an allowance is given for each additional dependant.
When calculating the reckonable income for the special rate of maintenance grant, any payments made by the Department of Social Protection in respect of child dependants are excluded in the calculation of reckonable income. Therefore, no allowance can be given for the second and subsequent child in third level education.
It is not proposed, at present, to change the current terms and conditions in respect of the special rates of maintenance grant.
