John Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the announcement that Cabinet made yesterday about increasing the income disregard for students, so that they can earn additional moneys outside of term time without it affecting their student grant. This has now been increased from €4,500 to €6,552 as a result of the decision by the Cabinet. I raised this issue within our own Fine Gael Parliamentary Party several weeks ago. Students and businesses on the ground in my own constituency of Waterford raised this issue with me. It is a perfect example of the Government taking immediate action on a sensible proposal that came from the ground up, through our own parliamentary party. The Cabinet implemented it yesterday. It is good for students and for business. It will mean that students will have more money in their pockets without that affecting their student grant.

We need a wider discussion, and Senator Malcolm Byrne has suggested this previously, on the student contribution charge and on our grants structure. From September, there will be an additional €200 in the grants. I personally would like to see a significant reduction in the student contribution charge. This is because many families are just above the threshold to avail of that student grant. They are being hard pressed as a result of the increases in the cost of living. A reduction in the student contribution charge would assist all of those individuals and families. That is what we as a Government need to look at.

In terms of the coach and tourism sector, and I have not looked into this in any great detail, but I received a representation from a constituent of mine who attends college in Thurles. She informed me that the Expressway services are not included in the reduction of the youth-adult fare. That student leaves Waterford and goes to Limerick Junction. She does not have a reduction in her fare until that point, when travelling on from Limerick Junction to Thurles, she can avail of the 50% fare reduction . This is because the Expressway services are considered to be a private arm of Bus Éireann. That needs to be addressed. I would look for a wider discussion with the Minister for Transport in that regard.