Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 15 May 2001

Vol. 536 No. 2

Written Answers - Third Level Access.

Seamus Kirk

Ceist:

448 Mr. Kirk asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress to date on third level access for socio-economically disadvantaged mature students and students with disabilities as envisaged by the National Development Plan, 2000-06 under the employment and human resources operational programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13627/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

There is a provision within the national development plan for a third level access fund totalling £95 million over the period 2000 to 2006, aimed at tackling under-representation by students from disadvantaged backgrounds, mature students and students with disabilities to third level education. The objective of this measure is to facilitate and to improve access to the labour market for the beneficiaries whilst improving their long-term employability.

Last September I appointed an action group on access to third level education to advise me on the development of a co-ordinated framework to promote access by students from the three target groups. The group was asked to advise on the specific interventions which would be most effective in making further progress in this area. I have recently received the report of the action group on access to third level education.

As an indication of the Government's support in promoting equity in access and, as an initial step pending the findings of the action group, I announced last September the introduction of a special maintenance grant payable to disadvantaged grant holders, targeted at those most in need. The full rates of the special maintenance grant entail increases over the standard rates as follows: from £1,775 to £2,000 for students resid ing more than 15 miles from college; and from £710 to £1,000 for students resident within 15 miles of college.

The action group's report contains recommendations on the eligibility criteria governing the category of students who should qualify for the special rate of grant. My Department is finalising the administrative arrangements necessary to ensure that the special rates of maintenance grant will be made available without delay. I also announced, last September, the introduction of a new millennium partnership fund for disadvantage with a provision of £1 million in 2001, which will be administered in conjunction with the area partnerships.

I have increased significantly the provision for the student assistance/access fund from £1.296 million in 1999 to £1.964 million in 2000. The objective of the fund, which is ESF-aided, is to assist students who might otherwise, due to their financial circumstances, be unable to continue their third level studies. I have also increased substantially the level of funding allocated under the fund for students with disabilities from IR£700,000 in 1999 to IR£1,232,889 in 2000. This fund, which is ESF-aided, provides grants towards the provision of services and the purchase of equipment for students with disabilities attending courses in third level institutions or post-leaving certificate courses.