Seán Haughey
Ceist:608 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans he has to increase higher education grant payments; if this situation is under constant review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7534/01]
Vol. 532 No. 4
608 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans he has to increase higher education grant payments; if this situation is under constant review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7534/01]
The statutory framework for the maintenance grants scheme, as set out in the Local Authorities (Higher Education Grants) Acts, 1968 to 1992, provides for means tested higher education grants in order to assist students to attend full-time third level education.
the Minister for Education and Science if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 948 of 29 September 1999 the review, which was being undertaken by his officials and officials from the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs, of proposed improvements in the administration of the third level grant schemes has been completed; and if so, if the review has been published; and if he will make a statement of the matter. [7535/01]
Amendments to the schemes of student support in recent years have sought to address anomalies and promote uniformity across the schemes.
With regard to the future administration of the schemes of student support, officials of my Department have been engaged with officials from the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs in relation to possible options. This process is ongoing. The Deputy will appreciate that there are major implications, for example, for the local authorities and vocational education committees, in any proposals to change the administration of the schemes. It is my intention, therefore, that there will be full consultation with all interested parties and I have previously indicated that no irrevocable decisions will be taken in relation to any future arrangements prior to such consultation taking place.
I announced late last year that I was setting up a special project team to carry out a comprehensive review of every aspect of the maintenance grants, and other student supports, to ensure their relevance to the needs of present day third level students. This review will include the level of grants, the methods by which they are paid, eligibility and income limits, accommodation needs, student support services, the most suitable paying agency, the provision of an appeals system, student loans and taxation measures.
Issues relating to the implementation of the team's recommendations will be addressed when its report has been completed.