Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 8 Feb 2000

Vol. 513 No. 6

Written Answers. - Higher Education Grants.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

71 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposals, if any, he has to make appropriate increases in the income limits which apply to the levels of third level maintenance grants and the level of grant payable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3330/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

It has been the practice in recent years to increase the reckonable income limits in line with movements in the average industrial wage in the previous year. The reckonable income limits for the 1999-2000 academic year were increased by 4.6%, based on the increase in the average industrial wage for the period March 1997 to March 1998. The increase in the reckonable income limits was also applied to the allowance by which the income limits may be increased in respect of other family members pursuing a course of study. In such cases, for the 1999-2000 academic year, the reckonable income limits may be increased by £2,160 where there are two such children, £4,320 where there are three, and so on by increments of £2,160.

Similarly in relation to the value of the grant the practice in recent years has been to increase third level maintenance grants in line with inflation as measured by the change in the consumer price index for the period mid-February to mid-February each year.

This approach will ensure that the real value of maintenance grants is maintained. The question of providing further additional increases to the value of maintenance grants can only be considered having regard to overall resource constraints and other competing demands in the education sector. I would point out to the Deputy that over 40% of third level students qualify for maintenance grants.

In this regard, this Government's priority in relation to student support has been to fulfil the commitment given in the programme for Government, An Action Programme for the Millennium to introduce equitable support for students attending PLC courses. This commitment has been honoured through the introduction of a maintenance grants scheme for students attending post leaving certificate courses with effect from the 1998-99 academic year.

The position of mature students in general and independent mature students in particular has also been addressed under the student support schemes. The rate of maintenance grant payable is determined by reference to the distance from the student's normal residence to the college which s/he is attending. In the case of independent mature students, their normal residence is taken as their address while in attendance at college. Accordingly, a large proportion of independent mature students only qualified for the lower adjacent rate of grant. With effect from the current academic year, all eligible mature students will qualify for the higher non-adjacent rate of maintenance grant.

The need to target resources at those most in need is well recognised and underpins this Government's approach to tackling disadvantage. There is provision within the national development plan for a third level access fund totalling £95 million over the period of the plan. This fund will provide for additional financial support for disadvantaged students on top of the existing maintenance grants schemes. I am developing proposals in relation to these financial supports and I will be announcing the details of the new arrangements in due course.