Paul McGrath
Ceist:202 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Education if the terms and conditions relating to third level grants for 1994-95 will be published by 1 May 1994 as promised by her; and the changes, if any, from previous years.
Written Answers. - Higher Education Grants.
The Deputy will be pleased to learn that 1994 third level student support schemes issued to local authorities/VECs on 27 April 1994. The schemes contain changes which will continue to improve access for students entering full-time third level education.
The main changes are:
Academic Attainment Conditions: The two honour requirement is effectively superseded and a student who secures a place in an approved third level course will be deemed to satisfy the academic attainments conditions.
Second Chance Students — Higher Education Grants Scheme and vocational education committee Scholarships Scheme: Second chance students have been added as a new category of person to whom the scheme applies. Such students who have had a break of studies of five years and return to repeat at the same level in 1994-95 may receive grants aid.
Increased Income Eligibility Criteria-Maintenance Grants-Fee Grants: Income eligibility limits have been increased by 5.4 per cent and maintenance grants by 1.7 per cent. These increases are in line with movements in the average industrial wage and the consumer price index respectively.
Post-Graduate Students: Mature students commencing a post-graduate course without already holding a primary degree may now qualify for grant-aid.
Application Form: The layout of the application form has been further simplified to make it more user-friendly.