James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 420: To ask the Minister for Education and Science her plans for increasing third level maintenance grants for the year 2007/2008 in view of their present subsistence level. [18745/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am pleased to be able to inform the Deputy that I have secured approval for a 10% increase in the standard rate of student grant with effect from September next. This very substantial increase, at twice the rate of inflation, will benefit over 56,000 students who receive a maintenance grant to attend higher and further education.

This will mean an increase in the maximum rate of ordinary grant to €3,420 for 2007/08 and students who qualify will also have the student service charge paid on their behalf.

In addition, over 12,500 students in receipt of the "Special Rate" of maintenance grant will benefit from an even more substantial increase of over 14%, with the maximum rate for 2007/08 increasing to €6,690.

In parallel with these significant rate increases, the annual income thresholds to qualify for student grants will also be increased with effect from the coming September. The annual income thresholds for the ordinary rate of maintenance grant are being increased by 3.5%, while the threshold for the special rate of maintenance grant is being increased by 7.8% to €18,055.

Financial barriers have long being recognised as a major disincentive for many students who wish to access third level education. This significant increase in the ordinary rate of maintenance grant, at twice the level of inflation, will make the third level option more affordable for a broad range of students and their families. In approving an even higher increase in the special rate of maintenance grant, I am further targeting that support at those most in need, to encourage access to further and higher education for everyone.

This Government's continued commitment to supporting high rates of participation in third level education at all levels of society will ensure that Ireland continues to attract and maintain investment in high quality jobs and that the fruits of the economy can be enjoyed by all.

The revised 2007/08 student grant schemes have already issued to the awarding bodies, the Local Authorities and the Vocational Education Committees. This year, the schemes have been made available a month earlier than in 2006, facilitating a substantial level of service improvement for students.

The new schemes can be accessed and/or downloaded from the "Students & Trainees" section of the Department's website at www.education.ie.