Vol. 285 No. 11
asked the Minister for Education if he is aware that many students have been refused higher education grants on the grounds that their parents' income was over the qualifying limit; and if he will now consider rectifying the position by raising the qualifying limit in line with inflation over the past three years.
57.
asked the Minister for Education when he intends to increase the maximum grant payable to third-level students; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 56 and 57 together. This matter is under consideration in connection with the Estimates for 1976.
May I take it from what the Minister has stated that, in fact, a decision has been taken that it is necessary to increase the grants?
It is always desirable to increase grants. I am at a loss to understand how a decision could have been taken in this regard. I have said the matter is under consideration in connection with the Estimates for 1976.
Is the Minister convinced that an increase in the grants both for tuition and heating and maintenance is necessary? Is it true that he cannot convince the Department of Finance, although he is convinced that the grants should be increased?
I would prefer to allow the results of the 1976 Estimates to be seen as the arbiter of that matter.
When will an announcement be made about what will happen in 1976? As the Minister knows, the academic year 1975-76 is being affected.
I understand that, but the Book of Estimates should be produced at the normal time.
Did the Minister receive many representations from various VEC bodies about the number of applicants who have had to be refused these grants because their incomes were slightly above the limit? Would the Minister agree that these are the sons and daughters of the less well off sections of our community who are in need of these grants? Would the Minister not say that the scale over the past few years has been totally unrealistic?
This is a long question.
It is a very serious matter.
A question, please.
To say that it is under review in connection with the Estimates for 1976 is simply a smug answer which cuts no ice.
The Deputy is making a statement. That is not in order.
I have given the factual situation in accord with the custom of the House.
Has the Minister received representations from the CEO in this regard?
Deputy Murphy should allow the business of the House to continue in an orderly fashion.
In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I propose to raise the subject matter of this question on the Adjournment.
The Chair will communicate with the Deputy. The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.
