Michael Fitzpatrick (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)

I welcome the opportunity to speak on the Student Support Bill 2008, which provides for a single unified statutory grants scheme to replace the four existing schemes and places the scheme on a statutory footing. I welcome the proposal to bring unity, clarity and efficiency to the entire provision of the student grants scheme. The Bill defines and clarifies common terms, while making extensive provision for appeals to an appeals officer and independent appeals board. These provisions will act as a guarantee that transparency and fair play will prevail.

In awarding sole responsibility for grant payments to vocational education committees, the Minister has extended a vote of confidence in the capacity of VECs to deliver an efficient and effective service. As locally based statutory education authorities, I have every confidence in VECs to deliver when it matters, although I am concerned about the lead-in timeframe for introducing such a complex delivery structure.

Public funding for attendance at approved courses by means of VEC student grants is an essential support to deserving students. It is also a recognition that further and higher education courses will play a pivotal role in meeting the State's explicit objective of upskilling up to 500,000 people by at least one level on the national qualifications framework before 2020. Access to further education must be available to all on an equal basis if we, as a nation, are to deliver on equal opportunity for all. The legislation underpins in law our commitment to support all deserving students in terms of upskilling, retraining and advancing educational qualifications.

Given that educational programmes must remain relevant, I welcome the provision to keep courses under annual review. The ongoing review of the performance of the granting authorities will satisfy the need for public accountability and is a welcome element of the Bill.

Over the years, much concern has been expressed regarding the rights of students to apply for grant aid. The Bill recognises the need to clarify recognition and residency rights. Moreover, it sets out the criteria for eligibility for a grant. This detail is also welcome as it affords clarity regarding a person's rights of qualification.

I am particularly pleased at the provision placing an obligation on all parties — the applicant, awarding body and Minister — to fulfil their respective roles and obligations. I am sure the basis of any appeal will focus on these particular provisions.

While the penalties provided are harsh, this measure is necessary to ensure legal compliance with procedures and legislative provisions. As a former student, member and chairman of a vocational education committee, I have been involved in the VEC sector for many years and have every confidence in its ability to deliver grant support for students.

I compliment the Irish Vocational Education Association, IVEA, and its general secretary, Mr. Michael Moriarty, who has had extensive negotiations with departmental officials to prepare for the implementation of the legislation, once enacted. I acknowledge the great work the IVEA has done over the years and look forward to the legislation delivering a successful outcome that will result in an efficient and effective statutory scheme. I also acknowledge the important role public representatives, students and teachers have played in the administration of vocational education committees. I pay particular tribute to the key role played by parents and voluntary and statutory agencies. The Department, in transferring responsibility for the student grant scheme to the VECs, will be well served in future. I extend my good wishes to all those involved in the preparation and delivery of the Bill.

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