Vol. 520 No. 2
177 Mr. U. Burke asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has to increase third level maintenance grants for the coming year in order to take account of the increased living costs since they were last reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15643/00]
I have previously indicated my intention to follow the practice of recent years and increase third level maintenance grants in line with inflation and increase the reckonable income limits in line with movements in the average indus trial wage. This approach will ensure that the real value of maintenance grants is maintained.
The revised income limits and grant values for 2000-01 will be included in the student support schemes which are expected to issue to local authorities and vocational education committees in the near future.
