asked the Minister for Education if he will review the system of student grants for third level education and ensure that these are raised to realistic levels.
19.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Third Level Education Grants.
18.
asked the Minister for Education when, and by how much, he proposes to increase third-level grants and the eligibility limits which are applied to applicants for these grants.
20.
asked the Minister for Education if he intends to raise substantially the income limits for higher education authority grants.
21.
asked the Minister for Education if the Government have any plans to raise the maintenance element of HEA grants.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 18 to 21, inclusive, together.
The means test requirements for eligibility and the amount of the grants appropriate to each level of eligibility were revised in connection with the preparation of the relevant higher education grants scheme by local authorities in 1977. The awards as from the commencement of the academic year 1977-78 are in accordance with the terms of these schemes.
A further review of the eligibility requirements and of the amounts of the grants is already under way.
Can the Minister tell us whether students now in college, who may have voted for the Minister's party on the basis of their promise in the election manifesto, can expect an increase for this year?
The students who showed such sound political judgment in voting for the Minister's party will not be disappointed.
Can the Minister tell us by how much these grants are to be increased?
The review has been underway for about two weeks and the results——
The Minister has been in office for four months.
The Deputy should not break out in a rash. The review is under way and the terms of the Fianna Fáil manifesto will be adhered to strictly. There will be no credibility gap.
Will the Minister take into account any changes which will be recommended? Will the changes in income limits apply to students already in college and not related to a particular leaving certificate year?
In regard to that, the scheme will be as it has obtained since 1968.
Is the Minister saying that he will not take into account the needs of existing students?
I am following all my predecessors of all parties in that regard.
Does the Minister intend to raise the grant to such a level as he himself suggested in a Private Members' motion last January?
The Minister will raise the grant as high as he possibly can.
Did not the Minister's party promise en route grants? Would the Minister comment on that?
The Deputy should put down a question on that and I will answer it in due course.