Vol. 463 No. 6
174 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Minister for Education if he will have arrangements made to have the term normal residence in relation to the higher education grants scheme to local authorities revert back to its 1994 definition in view of the difficulties being experienced by many mature candidates in their efforts to gain greater leeway in being eligible for the maximum maintenance grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6921/96]
Under the Local Authorities (Higher Education Grants) Act, 1992 applicants for higher education grants who are mature students are categorised as either dependent on or independent of their parents for means assessment purposes.
Mature students who live with their parents are deemed dependent and those who do not are deemed independent.
The address for the purposes of deciding the rate of maintenance grant payable in the case of a dependent mature student is that of the parents.
The address to be taken in deciding the rate of maintenance grant payable in the case of an independent mature student is the address while attending college, unless the student can provide evidence that another residence has to be maintained.
