John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Haughey. He has become a regular visitor to the House in his few months in the Department of Education and Science. Like the issue I raised on the Adjournment yesterday, the matter I raise today relates to a small proportion of the population.

I am aware of a student from my own area in County Kilkenny who is in her first year of studies in Trinity College, Dublin, and whose sister will complete her second level education this year. Their father is above pension age and entitled to the State pension. However, because his State pension coupled with his wife's modest income pushes their earnings over the eligibility threshold for a third level grant, he was obliged to return to the workforce to ensure his daughter can avail of a third level education. It is inspiring that this man is prepared to go back to work to ensure his daughter can take advantage of an opportunity that was not available to him. It is also sad, however, that he is forced into this position. His second daughter is interested in attending college in Dublin in September if she gets the necessary points.

A change in this regard is worthwhile given the small numbers affected and the negligible impact on Exchequer funding for the Department of Education and Science. Children with one or more parents in receipt of the State pension should be automatically entitled to a third level grant. My father was above pension age when I went to college and I did not qualify for the third level grant. My younger sister is in the same boat. I do not raise this issue purely out of a selfish personal interest. The small numbers involved and the minimal impact in terms of funding mean there is a strong case for ensuring parents above pension age are not forced back into the workforce because they want to give their children the best possible education. The State should step in at that point and provide support. The grant system itself must be reformed and is not sufficient to cover the costs of attending college. However, the children of those eligible for the State pension should receive assistance as a matter of course.