Vol. 529 No. 1
1138 Mr. P. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount it would cost if third level maintenance grants were increased for everybody on current income thresholds by 25% and if current thresholds were increased by 25%; the cost involved if grants for this revised cohort of students were increased to 25%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30529/00]
It is estimated that a 25% increase in the level of maintenance grant would cost about £17 million per annum. The effect on numbers eligible and the consequent costs of a 25% increase in income limits would require a complex exercise and I am not in a position at present to convey these costs to the Deputy. However, it is proposed to have costings of the effect of changes in income limits carried out for the special review of student support which I announced late last year.
