Vol. 445 No. 8
151 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Education the way in which the Government intends to address the inequities that discriminate against the PAYE sector in terms of third level education grants; if she will seek a substantial increase in the income limits for third level education grants; and the proposals, if any, she has to introduce special measures for PAYE families marginally above the threshold. [1287/94]
Subject to resource constraints I intend to continue to develop the schemes of student support particularly with a view to making them as equitable as possible. Under the existing 1994 schemes of student support the relevant reckonable income limits are increased by £2,000 where there are two such children attending full-time third level education, by £4,000 for three such children and so on, by increments of £2,000.
The advisory committee on third level students support reported to me on 11 November 1993. Arising from my consideration of the group's report I have already implemented a number of improvements in the student support arrangements such as: the abolition of the separate attainments for eligibility for a grant; this will ensure that all students who have secured a college place will now qualify for a grant subject to their meeting the means test; the introduction of new rules for second chance cases; this is to ensure students who did not complete their initial studies will be eligible to apply for grants for second chance courses after five years; the provision of a discretionary budget in 1994 so as to set up a hardship fund with the third level institutions; an increase in the income limits in line with the rise in the average industrial wage and in maintenance grants in line with inflation.
The group has made a number of other important recommendations which I am addressing in consultation with my colleagues in Government. I intend to publish the group's report when the Government has completed consideration of its recommendations.
