Donal Carey
Ceist:63 Mr. D. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science the way in which the current level of maintenance grant compares with the cost of attending third level college. [21728/97]
Written Answers. - Higher Education Grants.
Jimmy Deenihan
Ceist:71 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will review the adequacy of maintenance grants for third level students in view of escalating costs of accommodation, class materials and other expenses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21708/97]
Louis J. Belton
Ceist:100 Mr. Belton asked the Minister for Education and Science the provision, if any, which is made in the Estimates to increase the level of maintenance, to increase the income thresholds for qualification and to introduce new or expanded categories of student eligibility for higher education grant payment. [21713/97]
Jimmy Deenihan
Ceist:141 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will increase grants for third level students in view of the inadequacy of the level of funding available to individuals from families on low to medium income. [21631/97]
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 63, 71, 100 and 141 together.
The abridged Estimates which were published recently do not generally represent the total planned provision for public expenditure. It is normal practice for the Government to review and adjust the expenditure provisions in the context of finalising the budget and in the light of more up-to-date outturn figures.
Moreover, the Estimates provisions are only the first stage in the process of determining specific allocations, improvements and initiatives across all sectors of education. This process will extend over the next number of months and I will convey the necessary details as decisions are taken.
In relation to the specific question raised by the Deputies, I am engaged in an ongoing review of all aspects of higher education grants, including the eligiblity rules. In the 1995-96 academic year, almost 26,000 students received grants under the higher education grants scheme at a cost in 1996 of over £51 million. Maintenance grants have been increased in recent years in line with changes in the consumer price index. Similarly, the reckonable income limits for grant eligibility have been increased in line with movements in the average industrial wage. The maintenance grants rates for 1997-98 are:
|
Non-Adjacent Rate |
Adjacent Rate |
|
|
Full |
||
|
Maintenance |
£1,624 (Category M1) |
£647 (Category M2) |
|
Part |
||
|
Maintenance (50%) |
£812 (Category M3) |
£324 (Category M4) |
The question of increasing maintenance grants and income limits will be considered early next year in the context of the annual review of these schemes and in the light of available resources.