Student Grant Scheme Eligibility

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 October 2014

Tuesday, 7 October 2014

Ceisteanna (517)

Frankie Feighan

Ceist:

517. Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Education and Skills her views on the fact that families are suffering financial hardship as a result of the criteria laid down by her Department in respect of the distance from home to college to qualify for grant assistance which is now increased to 50 km; and her further views on a reduction in the distance to qualify for grant. [38249/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

The current qualifying distance for the higher non-adjacent rate of student grant is 45km, and not 50km as referred to by the Deputy. This distance takes into account a reasonable radius within which students may commute on a daily basis.

No change was made to the qualifying distance in the 2014 scheme.

Question No. 518 answered with Question No. 464.