asked the Minister for Education if she will ensure that higher education grants will be available to adults over 25 years of age returning to education in the third level colleges; and if she will make a statement on the matter in view of a reply to a representation on behalf of a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Higher Education Grants.
13.
Mature students are eligible to apply for grants under the higher education grants scheme subject to the normal regulations applicable to all applicants such as, inter alia, the required academic attainments in the leaving certificate examination and the means test.
In line with her stated commitment to education for all, does the Minister accept that special arrangements should be made for mature students? Deputy Molloy asked me to take this question for him. The details of this case — a student attending Galway RTC — have been forwarded to the Minister and her Department. Is she prepared to take a comprehensive look at the role of mature students returning to third level education bearing in mind that they play a very positive role in the life of a third level college and have a lot to give in terms of experience and competence? They give stability and balance to what is a student population.
Is the Deputy referring to changing the grants scheme?
Yes.
The question of changing the financial arrangements governing the higher education grants scheme is one that would have to be considered in drawing up the Estimates for 1985. It will be considered with sympathy but I cannot indicate at this stage if it will be possible to make any changes.
As I understand it, this is a case of a mature student seeking to return to third level education. Such students are accepted on the basis of a leaving certificate result which they would have sat for some time previously. They would need to have applied at that time in order to be eligible. What financial considerations could be given to these students? Everything seems to be about to be reviewed. Will the Minister review the case of mature students who wish to come back to the educational system?
I assure the Deputy that everything is not under review but decisions concerning financial areas have to be made with great care. This whole area is being looked at with sympathy. It has implications for expenditure on third level education and the future of such education and must be considered very carefully.