Vol. 481 No. 6
85 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will allow some flexibility on the income limits for third level grant applications in 1997 for cereal farmers whose incomes are very seriously depressed in view of the huge losses being suffered by grain growers in the southern part of Ireland; and if he will consult with the Departments of Finance and Agriculture and Food on the matter. [16611/97]
Entitlement to a grant under the higher education grant scheme for the 1997-98 academic year is based on a candidate's reckonable income in the tax year ended 5 April 1997. In the case of the self-employed, the reckonable income is that based on their accounts for the year ending in the tax year ended 5 April 1997. Similarly, entitlement for a grant for the 1998-99 academic year is, in the case of the self-employed, based on their accounts for the year ending in the tax year ended 5 April 1998.
Accordingly, reductions in the income of the self-employed, including cereal farmers, are taken account for grant purposes, provided they are reflected in accounts which form the basis for reckonable income for the particular grant year.
I am fully aware of the difficulties which are currently facing the cereal farmers referred to by the Deputy and I understand from my colleague, the Minister for Agriculture and Food, that his Department is currently reviewing the situation in relation to compensation for these farmers.
