Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 September 2012
393. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will confirm that eligibility for higher education grants will continue to be assessed by income only and not by asset value; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37900/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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.
