Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 2 Dec 1997

Vol. 483 No. 6

Written Answers. - Student Support Schemes.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

475 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the specific terms of reference, if any, for the group recently established by him to examine the question of rationalising the various student support schemes and having them administered by a single agency; the time span within which this group must issue its findings; the way in which the group intends to invite public participation and submissions from interested parties; and the action, if any, he will take on recommendations that necessitate change in the current higher education grant scheme. [21064/97]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

The report of the advisory committee on third level student support, chaired by Dr. Donal de Butléir, was published in February 1995. The advisory committee found the present system of student support to be fragmented, cumbersome and very confusing for grant applicants. It identified overlaps and duplication with up to 70 different organisations involved in the administration of the grant schemes. It also found that payments were too frequently delayed and that students were often disadvantaged by various administrative problems in the system. The advisory committee recommended that the three existing schemes, which have the same means test, the same rate of grant and cover virtually the same courses, should have a single application form. It also recommended significant changes in the processing of grant applications and payments.

In August 1997 a joint working group involving officials from my Department and the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs commenced an examination of various options for the future administration of the student support schemes including the case for and against transferring this activity to the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs. I expect to receive a preliminary report from this working group shortly which will outline the issues that will require detailed examination before any recommendations can be finalised.

The arrangements for any detailed examination, including the participation of interested parties, can only be considered following receipt of the preliminary report. However, I would like to emphasise that no irrevocable decisions will be taken in relation to any future arrangements without appropriate consultation with all interested parties.

I accept that the current administration of the student support schemes need to be improved. Apart from reservations about the need for a new body I have an open mind as to what the best and most appropriate options are for a new centralised system. My priority is to ensure that the system properly addresses the concerns of students and parents.