asked the Minister for Education the representations which have been received in her Department within the past three months on the level of students' financial reports; and the proposals, if any, she has in response to any such representations.
Written Answers. - Higher Education Grants.
171.
In general the bulk of the representations received in my Department about student financial support under the higher education grant and VEC scholarship schemes relate to questions of eligibility and the rate of grant payable (i.e. full or partial) in individual cases. Eligibility and the rate of grant payable are determined in accordance with the income eligibility limits set out in the relevant schemes each year.
For the 1986-87 academic year the maintenance elements of grants were increased by 4.6 per cent (e.g. the maximum grant was increased from £1,166 to £1,213 and the income eligibility limit was increased from £16,540 to £17,300).
The lecture fee element of grants was increased in line with the increases in third-level colleges for the 1986-87 academic year. It is proposed to increase the maintenance grant and income eligibility limits for the 1987-88 academic year in line with inflation. The fees grant will increase in line with college fees.