Jonathan O'Brien
Ceist:78. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reviews that have taken place of scholarship schemes since he was in office. [20758/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraDáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 May 2014
78. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reviews that have taken place of scholarship schemes since he was in office. [20758/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraScholarship provision was reviewed by my Department in advance of the changes announced in Budget 2012 when five higher education scholarship schemes were replaced with a single new scheme of bursaries awarded on criteria based both on merit and on socio-economic need. The bursary represents an additional support and incentive to recognise high achievement for students who are from disadvantaged families and attending DEIS schools. This change was made in order to make the best use of scarce resources so as to focus on the best performing students in the cohort of those who are most in need of financial help.