Vol. 562 No. 3
24 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to concerns expressed by the Union of Students in Ireland at the delays in paying maintenance grants as a result of which some students still had not received payments three months after the start of the college term; the steps he is taking to ensure that grants are paid promptly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5821/03]
My Department funds three means-tested maintenance grant schemes for third level education students in respect of attendance on approved courses in approved third level institutions and one grant scheme in respect of post-leaving certificate courses: (a) The higher education grants scheme; (b) the vocational education committees' scholarship scheme; (c) the third level maintenance grants scheme for trainees; and (d) maintenance grants scheme for students attending post-leaving certificate, PLC, courses.
The higher education grants scheme is administered by the local authorities. The other three schemes are administered by the vocational education committees. The arrangements for the payment of maintenance grants are a matter for those bodies, in the first instance.
My Department is aware of concerns expressed by the Union of Students in Ireland regarding the payment of maintenance grants. However, resulting from a survey of the local authorities and vocational education committees, it was confirmed to my Department that the vast majority of successful applicants had been issued their first maintenance grant for the 2002-03 academic year by the 31 October 2002. It was also confirmed by the local authorities and vocational education committees that the majority of outstanding applications, as of 31 December 2002, resulted from incomplete information being submitted by candidates and that such information had been sought.
Decisions arising from the current review of student support provisions may have implications for the terms and conditions of the grants schemes. However, my Department will endeavour to ensure that the 2003 maintenance grants schemes are finalised, and application forms issued, as early as feasible prior to the start of the 2003-04 academic year.
