Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 70: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the position of discussions with the Department of Social and Family Affairs and the Revenue Commissioners regarding the introduction of a new higher education grants scheme; the steps being taken to bring these discussions to a conclusion; when she expects that the new system will be in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13023/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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My Department funds three means tested maintenance grant schemes for third level students. The higher education grants scheme operates on a statutory basis, while the vocational education committees' scholarship scheme and the third level maintenance grants scheme for trainees operate on an administrative basis. The statutory framework for maintenance grants under the higher education grants scheme is set out in the Local Authorities (Higher Education Grants) Acts 1968 to 1992.

The administration of student support schemes is complex and resource intensive involving the processing and assessment of applications resulting in the approval of payments to over 56,000 students annually. Expenditure in 2004 was almost €203 million.

In accordance with the commitment in the An Agreed Programme for Government, I propose to introduce a single unified scheme of maintenance grants for students in higher education for the academic year 2006-07. In this context, I intend to put in place as early as possible a more coherent administration system which will facilitate consistency of application and improved client accessibility. This is necessary if we are to ensure public confidence in the awards system and ensure the timely delivery of grants to those who need them most.

My Department has been engaged in extensive consultations with the key stakeholders and with other relevant Departments to map the most logical and effective arrangements for the future structure and administration of the student support schemes. Discussions with the Department of Social and Family Affairs and the Revenue Commissioners relate to their possible contribution to the future shape and administration of the student support schemes.

I expect these discussions will be concluded in the near future. I will then be in a position to determine the best strategy to give effect to the programme for Government commitment to the payment of the maintenance grants through a unified and flexible payment scheme. Whatever new arrangements are eventually decided upon will be provided for in new statutory arrangements through a new student support Bill. This Bill, which will provide statutory underpinning for the schemes, will have as a key objective the promotion of equality of access. I also envisage that the Bill will provide for an independent appeals system.

The timescale for the publication of this Bill is contingent on the range of issues which are the subject of the consultations already mentioned.