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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 30 May 2001

Vol. 537 No. 3

Written Answers. - Third Level Education.

Michael Creed

Ceist:

228 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Education and Science the specific initiatives he proposes arising from the report of the action group on access to third level education. [16174/01]

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 and I am considering its recommendations. The Government has set aside £95 million over the period 2000-06 to tackle under-representation in third level education by students from disadvantaged backgrounds, mature students and students with disabilities.
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 from £1,775 to £2,000 for students residing 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.
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.
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