Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 October 2014
184. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the expected cost of reducing, in respect of third level student maintenance grants, the non-adjacent rate qualifying distance from 45 km to 25 km; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38591/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn order to carry out the exercise requested by the Deputy, related to the expected cost of reducing the qualifying distance for the non-adjacent rate of grant from 45km to 25km, we would need to know how many students would come within the ranges put forward by the Deputy. The Deputy will appreciate that this information is not readily available to the Department. As the Deputy will be aware, the reality of our economic situation presents significant challenges that have to be reconciled with limitations on public resources. This is a very stark reality, which, unfortunately, means that changes to any public service, including the student grant scheme, cannot be ruled out. For this reason it is the responsibility of Government to take into consideration all areas of public services when formulating Budget 2015. Ultimately, our budgetary decisions now will play a major part in creating a sustainable economy and in regaining our economic independence. As the Deputy will be aware all proposals made in relation to education expenditure including changes to student grants will be considered in the context of the Budget 2015.
