asked the Minister for Education whether she is aware that no allowance exists for children after the first six children in any family in the assessment of means in a higher education grant application; and whether she is satisfied that this system is fair, given the fact that some persons from large families cannot afford to pursue a course in third level education because they are denied grant aid.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Higher Education Grants.
3.
The maximum income limit of eligibility is £14,000 per annum. The tabular statement of income limits in respect of families of different sizes is so constructed as to allow the most equitable limits possible in the circumstance of families of less than six dependent children as well as of families of six children and more, subject to the overriding maximum of £14,000.
Accepting that the large majority of families have reduced numbers of children would the Minister not agree that the scheme, as it is operating, is discriminating against large families? Could she see her way to amending the scheme back to the position in 1976 when allowance was made for up to ten children? This would not cost too much money in any one year because the numbers applying would be very limited.
It may be that there would not be enormous cost implications but unfortunately there would be additional cost and this would have to be met by reductions in other areas and services. Keeping in mind that we have continuous reviews of the higher education grants system, I have to consider the effect in other areas.
This question has been tabled by Deputy Molony who apologises for inability to be here. Is the Minister aware that in a family of 12 children the additional children after the first six cannot attend third level education when the father's income is just above the means test amount? Could she allow for some flexibility in the scheme in cases of very large families some of whom cannot follow third level courses?
The Deputy will be aware that in any scheme which has a cut-off point some people will be on the wrong side of that point. That is always a difficulty. It would be impossible to adapt the scheme to suit individual cases. In any review of the grants scheme cases of particular hardship will be taken into account.