Mr. Brian Power:

I thank the Chairperson and committee members. I thank the committee for the invitation to appear before it today to discuss further and higher education grants, in particular the operation and effects of the current approach to means testing. I wish to clarify that my colleague, Ms Eilish Bergin, is seated beside me.

The purpose of this presentation is to present to the committee an overview of the system which provides for the making of student grants, by awarding authorities, to enable students attend courses of further and higher education.

I will be pleased to address any questions that the committee members may have at the end of the statement. The overall mission of the Department of Education and Skills is to enable learners to achieve their full potential and contribute to Ireland’s economic, social and cultural development. The provision of supports to promote equity of access to higher education is a key element of this mission.