Student Grant Scheme Eligibility

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 September 2012

Tuesday, 18 September 2012

Ceisteanna (389)

Tom Fleming

Ceist:

389. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will ensure that the productive assets of farm families and other self employed families are not factored into the assessment of income for the purpose of third level maintenance grants; if he will acknowledge the fundamental role played by the student grant schemes in supporting families by refraining from increasing fees and reducing grants as most families today are under huge financial pressures and should be assisted in every way possible so that their children will access third level education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37780/12]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

As I announced last December, the means test for student grants will be amended to take account of the value of certain capital assets as well as income for the 2013/14 academic year. The Deputy will be aware that a dedicated capital assets test implementation group was established to bring forward detailed implementation proposals on new means testing arrangements for student grants, to include the value of assets, for new applicants from the 2013/14 academic year. The report of the implementation group, which I expect to have shortly, will make recommendations on the treatment of various classes of assets. Any proposals in this regards will require Government agreement and necessitate legislative amendment.