Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 May 2013
91. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Education and Skills if applicants for the student grant scheme who have been recipients of compensation relating to time spent in industrial schools, that was not awarded through the forum of the Redress Board, will have these compensation payments exempted from means testing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21705/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraFor the purposes of the Student Grant Scheme, compensation for a personal injury is an "income disregard" and is not included in calculating reckonable income.
The list of payments, known for the purposes of the Student Grant Scheme 2012 as "income disregards" does not extend to compensation relating to time spent in industrial schools.
The Deputy will appreciate that any decision in relation to changes to the Student Grant Scheme including changes in payments to be included as "income disregards"will need to be considered in the context of availability of resources.
