Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 12 Nov 2003

Vol. 574 No. 2

Written Answers. - Higher Education Grants.

Kathleen Lynch

Ceist:

124 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress which has been made to date with regard to implementing the recommendations made in the report, Supporting Equity in Higher Education; the progress which has been made with regard to the introduction of a unified grant scheme and a more coherent administration system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26496/03]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Dempsey)

The report, Supporting Equity in Higher Education, which was published in August 2003, was the outcome of a review of student support arrangements, undertaken at my request within my Department with the objective of ensuring that the benefits of the substantial investment being made in this area were maximised. It was also designed to provide options for my consideration to promote greater equity in access to and participation in higher education.

The Deputy will be aware that I announced on 25 May 2003 a €42 million support package for disadvantaged students in higher education. In constructing this package of measures, I had regard to the various policy options outlined in chapter four of the report which were developed on the basis of their potential to improve equity of access to higher education.

As far as the issue of reviewing the means test for third level grants is concerned, the report identified the fairness of the means assessment on which student support is based as being a vitally important issue in promoting equity. It noted that the current system is widely regarded as being inequitable and in line with earlier reports and concluded that the introduction of a capital test would remove a significant perceived inequity in the system. The report also concluded in this context that the administration of the student support schemes needs to be reformed.

In accordance with our commitment in the programme for Government, it is my intention to introduce a unified scheme. I also propose to put in place a more coherent administration system which will facilitate the introduction of more sophisticated means-testing arrangements and ensure consistency of application and client accessibility as suggested in the report. I have asked my Department to enter into consultations in this regard and I expect such consultations to commence in the near future