Austin Deasy
Ceist:602 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science when the review of the higher education grant scheme will be completed. [13041/00]
Written Answers. - Higher Education Grants.
I understand that the Deputy's question relates to the statutory definition of a mature student, for the purpose of the scheme, as being a person of not less than 23 years of age.
Under the terms of the higher education grants scheme, mature students are categorised as either independent mature students or mature students dependent on parents. An independent mature student is defined to mean a mature student who was not ordinarily resident at home with his or her parents from the October preceding their entry to an approved course. Independent mature students are deemed to be self-supporting and are assessed without reference to either their parents' income or address.
When assessing the means of students other than mature students, the Acts specify that the students' means and those of their parents or guardians must be below a prescribed limit. This provision requires that parental income be taken into account irrespective of the individual circumstances in any case where the student is not a mature student.
The other student support schemes have similar provisions in relation to the means assessment of students. I have previously indicated that it is recognised that these provisions can give rise to difficulties in individual cases and that my Department is examining the issues involved. This examination is still under way and it will be concluded as soon as possible.