Student Grant Scheme Administration

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 June 2017

Tuesday, 20 June 2017

Ceisteanna (644)

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

644. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason the monetary value of an asset which was gained via inheritance during the reference year is seen as reckonable income in the assessment of a student grant application; the reason for this approach to inherited assets in view of the fact that additional assets not gained by inheritance are not seen as reckonable income; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28962/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

Article 24(6) of the Student Grant Scheme 2017 provides that gifts or inheritances received in the reference period will be included as reckonable income.

If any of the persons whose income is under consideration received a gift or an inheritance in the reference period, these are included in reckonable income, unless in the case of an independent student, the gift or inheritance was between the applicant and his or her spouse, civil partner or cohabitant; or in the case of a dependent student, the gift or inheritance was between parents or to the applicant from his or her parent(s).

I have no plans to change the current arrangements in relation to the treatment of gifts or inheritance for student grants purposes.