I propose to take Questions Nos. 273 and 274 together.
In the assessment of means, a deduction can be made for “Holiday Earnings” earned by the applicant from employment outside of term time but within the reference period for the assessment of income for student grant purposes.
The value of the Holiday Earnings income disregard was increased from €3,809 to €4,500 under the Student Grant Scheme 2016.
I wish to advise that the awarding authority does not collate information specifically on 'Holiday Earnings' as the assessment of means under the Student Grant Scheme is based on gross income from all sources, with certain social welfare and health service executive payments being exempt. Furthermore, the assessment of an applicant’s eligibility is multifactorial, involving assessment against criteria such as means, nationality, residency, progression and whether or not the course is an approved course.