Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 April 2006
516 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the date upon which she proposes to publish the scheme for third level grant assistance for 2006-2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13295/06]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe process of reviewing the thresholds for eligibility and the grant levels for the 2006-07 academic year is currently ongoing. Decisions on the 2006 schemes will be announced as soon as this process is completed. The applications forms and accompanying notes for the 2006-07 will issue in the near future.
517 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in respect of her announcement of a single authority to implement a third level grant scheme for students, this proposal involves the amalgamation of staff currently working for local authorities and vocational educational committees in the payment of such grants; when she intends to publish her proposals in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13296/06]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that, in accordance with the commitment in An Agreed Programme for Government, I plan to introduce a single unified scheme of maintenance grants for students in higher education. This will, I believe, provide for a more coherent administration system which will facilitate consistency of application and improved client accessibility and ensure the timely delivery of grants to those who need them most.
As I mentioned previously, my Department has been engaged in substantial consultations with the key stakeholders in order to map the most logical and effective arrangements for the future structure and administration of the student support schemes. These discussions have substantially clarified the positions of the stakeholders in relation to the future administration possibilities for student support and their possible role therein. I expect to be in a position shortly to determine the best strategy, having regard to the many and complex issues involved, to give effect to the programme for Government commitment to the payment of the maintenance grants through a unified and flexible payment scheme. Whatever new arrangements are eventually decided upon will, as I have previously indicated, be provided for in new statutory arrangements through a student support Bill. I expect to be in a position to seek Government approval in the near future for the drafting of the Bill.
