Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 4 Dec 1990

Vol. 403 No. 4

Written Answers. - Thomond College (Limerick) Students.

Jim Kemmy

Ceist:

60 Mr. Kemmy asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the injustice to the students of Thomond College who have been admitted to the metal and engineering technology, wood and building technology, general science and physical education courses since October 1987, in relation to their grants which are based on the income limits that obtained at the time of their leaving certificate and on their parents present income; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Mrs. O'Rourke)

The eligibility of students in Thomond College for grants under the Thomond College grants scheme, including the students referred to by the Deputy, is decided in accordance with the provisions of the scheme.

Under the scheme the reckonable income used in the assessment of eligibility is that of 5 April of the year students enter an approved third-level course, which can be reviewed later if a signigicant change in income occurs. Otherwise the provisions of the scheme at the time the students sit their leaving certificate apply. This is the same as under the local authority higher education grants scheme.

The provisions I have referred to arise from the introduction of greater flexibility into the scheme in recent years for the benefit of students. I do not accept that an injustice is involved as indicated by the Deputy. All students from the same leaving certificate cohort are treated in the same way under the scheme.