David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 755: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of third level grants paid out by the city councils, county councils and vocational education committees in 2003, 2004 and to date in 2005; the total amount paid out for such grants in each academic year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19619/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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My Department offers grant assistance under four student maintenance grant schemes. Three schemes are in respect of third level students and one scheme relates to post-leaving certificate students. Statistical data in respect of the number of grant-holders under the student maintenance grant schemes is compiled on the basis of academic years. With regard to expenditure, allocations are made and details compiled on the basis of financial years.

The number of grant-holders in the 2003-04 academic year under each of the four schemes is outlined in the following tables for the Deputy's information. Final figures in respect of the 2004-05 academic have not yet been compiled.

The local authorities and vocational education committees, VECs, administer the schemes on behalf of my Department. These bodies accept completed grant application forms, assess the eligibility of grant applicants with reference to the terms and conditions prescribed in the schemes and award grant assistance, where appropriate. Expenditure under the Schemes is recouped by the local authorities and VECs from my Department. The amounts recouped to the paying authorities in respect of expenditure in the 2003 and 2004 financial years are also outlined for the Deputy's information.

A total of €208.9 million has been allocated in respect of the schemes for the 2005 financial year. For the period from January to end of May, 2005 a total of €83.9 million was recouped to the paying authorities in respect of expenditure under the schemes.