Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)

As far back as the 1990s when Mrs. Niamh Bhreathnach was the Minister for Education, a commission chaired by Dr. Dónal de Butléir reported on equality among people accessing third level grants to participate in third level education. There was found to be a discrimination against PAYE workers and others compared with the self-employed, including members of the farming community. The Deputy will probably be interested in knowing that the largest beneficiaries of grants are the children of the self-employed, not members of the farming community.

We are seeking equality. A capital assets test and means testing system are fair. To minimise bureaucracy, we are trying to put in place the same means testing arrangement for health services, social protection and education. Work is proceeding along those lines. No document has been produced for me yet, but we will examine it when it is produced and the Dáil will discuss the matter before any final decision is made.

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