Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

Deputy Quinn is correct. One of the main aims behind this is to provide a greater service for students. The current problem, and the reason it is so complex, is there are four schemes, one of which, that for higher education, is on a statutory basis. However, the VEC scholarships, third level maintenance for trainees and plc grants are all on an administrative basis. The aim behind the legislation, therefore, is to provide a unified scheme and form.

It is equally important that students and applicants provide all the information required of them. There has been much criticism of VECs and councils not meeting targets, etc., but, equally, many intelligent college students submit incomplete application forms. If we can get full co-operation from both sides, it will, ultimately, be to the benefit of the students.

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