Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 12 Nov 2002

Vol. 557 No. 1

Written Answers. - Higher Education Grants.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

297 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of money allocated each year for the past five years under the four maintenance grant schemes (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21469/02]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. N. Dempsey)

The allocations for the four maintenance grant schemes for the years 1997 to 2002 is outlined in tabular form below:

Scheme	1997€000	1998€000	1999€000	2000€000	2001€000	2002€000
Higher Education Grants	170,259	45,711	56,023	59,475	65,606	66,120
VEC Scholarships	14,425	12,316	14,795	13,751	16,255	15,744
Third Level Maintenance Grants Scheme for Trainees	24,302	27,128	24,783	28,292	26,343	28,625 (est)
Maintenance Grants for Students Attending PLC Courses	N/A (PLC scheme was introduced in 1998-99)	6,984	17,802	7,999	10,267	12,366

It should be noted that two factors contributed to a substantially higher allocation for the higher education grants scheme in 1997 than in subsequent years. Until 1997, local authorities recouped payments in respect of the higher education grants scheme one year in arrears. A supplementary estimate was provided in 1997 to change to a system of recoupment on a current year basis. The free fees initiative was introduced on a phased basis in 1995-96. Full undergraduate tuition fees were payable in respect of eligible students from 1996-97. Students who received grant assistance towards tuition fees under the higher education grant scheme prior to the introduction of free fees continued under this arrangement for the duration of their undergraduate course. It should also be noted that the expenditure data for 2002 is anticipated expenditure, whereas the data for 1997-2001 represents actual expenditure.