Higher Education Grants.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 September 2006

Thursday, 28 September 2006

Ceisteanna (290)

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

290 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a person (details supplied) County Galway is not entitled to a top-up higher education grant in view of the fact that they are a mature student on low income; if her attention has been drawn to the personal sacrifice involved; if her further attention has been drawn to the potential benefits the will accrue to the State when this person will be in a position to be employed in their chosen career; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30274/06]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The candidate referred to by the Deputy was awarded the full non-adjacent rate of grant by Galway County Council. However, she did not qualify for the special rate of maintenance grant for the academic year 2006/07, as neither the candidate nor her partner was in receipt of an eligible Social Welfare payment.

The Deputy will appreciate that the terms of the schemes are of general application and it is not possible to make an exception in individual cases.