Vol. 420 No. 3
106 Mr. Bradford asked the Minister for Education the reason interest payable on loans used to finance land purchase is not allowed as a deductible expense under the higher education grant scheme; the way in which this can be justified when profits earned on the land purchased with the borrowing money are taken into account in determining total farm income; if he agrees that this is an anomaly which must be rectified, and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The criteria for eligibility for higher education grants are currently being examined urgently in my Department with a view to achieving greater equity and transparency in the scheme. It would not be appropriate to pre-empt the outcome of that examination.
107 Mr. O'Leary asked the Minister for Education if he will give special and favourable reconsideration to the application of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry for a higher education grant having regard to the fact that she is totally blind, was educated under the Braille system and despite her disability, attained the necessary educational standard to enter college for a law degree course, and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Kerry County Council, as the relevant local authority, is the body statutorily entrusted with the administration of the Higher Education Grants Scheme in this case.
It is understood from the Council that the person in question is in receipt of a full fees grants for the 1991-92 academic year, in accordance with the terms of the scheme.
