Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 July 2017
281. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will include young carers as a represented group (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35294/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra287. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will ensure young adult carers are recognised (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35306/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 281 and 287 together.
The principal support provided by the Department of Education and Skills in financial terms is the student grant scheme, which makes available means-tested financial assistance to students in further and higher education. Under the terms of the student grant scheme, grant assistance is awarded to students on full-time courses who meet the prescribed conditions of funding including those which relate to nationality, residency, approved course, previous academic attainment and means.
I can confirm that Carer’s Allowance and Carer’s Benefit are eligible payments for the special rate of maintenance grant. In addition Carer’s Allowance, the Carer’s Support Grant (where paid to recipients of the Carer’s Allowance and Domiciliary Care Allowance) and the Domiciliary Care Allowance are classified as an “income disregards” and these payments are not included in calculating reckonable income.
The Student Assistance Fund (SAF) provides financial assistance to students experiencing financial difficulties while attending third level. Students can be assisted towards their rent, childcare costs, transport costs and books/class materials. The SAF is open to full-time registered students on courses of not less than one year's duration leading to an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification.
