Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 26 Jan 1994

Vol. 437 No. 6

Written Answers. - Student Support Schemes.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

48 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Education whether any support is available to students who have the academic qualifications to pursue third level education but who may be unable to do so because their parental income is in excess of grant limits; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

Under the existing schemes of student support candidates must satisfy academic attainments and means criteria to be eligible for grant aid. Candidates who do not comply with the means test criteria are not therefore eligible for grant aid.

The income limits in the schemes have been significantly increased in recent years. For instance, the income limits for a family with two children in 1991-92 to secure a full maintenance and fee grant was £10,787. In the present academic year the equivalent limit is £15,510, an increase of 44 per cent. Furthermore, the Programme for a Partnership Government indicates that there will be continuing improvement in student support schemes to ensure that no student is deprived of access to third level education because of his or her financial circumstances.

Resulting from this commitment I established an expert advisory group to recommend,inter alia, appropriate criteria for assessment of eligibility on grounds of means, with reference to equity and the financial capacity of parents and applicants.

I am at present considering the report of the review group which I propose to publish next month. I will also set out at the same time my intentions with regard to its conclusions and recommendations.