Kathryn Reilly (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I have tabled amendment No. 24 . It was discussed on Committee Stage and the Minister addressed it but I will refresh the memories of Members of the House. The purpose of the amendment was to address anomalies in the grant system that see students assessed on their parents' incomes unless they are over 23 years of age. A student under 23 years of age will be assessed on his or her own income only if he or she can prove he or she is estranged from his or her parents. The purpose of amendment No. 24 is to expand the range of information acceptable to verify a claim of estrangement for the purposes of a student grant. At the time the Minister mentioned different pieces of legislation that made provision for ministerial discretion. She said the legislation allows for latitude and for other criteria to be applied. She went on to say that this amendment will replicate existing legislation but that if she reviews the scheme she will consider this.

This is an important issue that has been raised with me since. Significant problems exist despite discretion and latitude and, as legislators, we must ensure these obstacles are removed from people's way - this applies particularly to access to education. If young people under 23 years of age are blocked from access to grants they are blocked from access to education. The Youth Guarantee scheme makes sure all young people under 25 years of age have access to education and training and obstacles blocking access to income from a SUSI grant or the like should be removed.

The Minister spoke on this matter on Committee Stage and said she will be willing to examine this if she revises the scheme. This amendment has been resubmitted on the basis that it has been raised with us as a constant background issue.