Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

This amendment was discussed on Committee Stage. I indicated at that time that I did not propose to accept it. A Government amendment that was agreed on Committee Stage provides for an expanded definition of an "awarding authority" in section 2. This reflects the Government's position, which is that the existing awarding authorities - VECs and local authorities - will continue in existence for an interim period before a single grant-awarding authority is appointed in due course, as provided for in section 9. I am sure the Deputy will agree that the establishment of a single awarding authority for student grants is an historic step forward. It will ensure a greater consistency of approach, among other things, and provide for more timely processing of applications in the future.

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