Written answers

Thursday, 22 May 2008

Department of Education and Science

Higher Education Grants

4:00 pm

Photo of Jim O'KeeffeJim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 212: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that recipients of the Irish Research Council for Humanities and Social Science scholarships are unable to avail of the student maintenance grant because in 2008 local authorities regard the scholarship which is below the income threshold, in addition to the payment of fees to the college as exceeding the income threshold for receipt of the maintenance grant despite the fact that in previous years college fees were waived and therefore the student could receive the maintenance grant; if it is fair to penalise leading academic students in this manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20441/08]

Photo of Batt O'KeeffeBatt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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Under Clause 2.2 of the Higher Education Grants Scheme 2007 and Clause 2.1 of the Vocational Education Committees' Scholarship Scheme 2007 provides:

A candidate shall not be eligible to hold a grant under this Scheme if he/she holds: (i) a scholarship/grant awarded by either a Vocational Education Committee, a Local Authority or the Department of Education and Science, or (ii) any other award payable from public funds, or (iii) the equivalent of (i) or (ii) from another E.U. Member State.

The provisions at (ii) or (iii) do not include awards such as scholarships, prizes or bursaries made by the institution being attended or postgraduate research grants where the grant received does not exceed a specified amount, which for the 2007/08 academic year is specified to be €16,000. In addition, the provision at (ii) does not include awards to candidates under the Student Assistance Fund, the Millennium Partnership Fund, the Fund for Students with Disabilities and the Easter Week, 1916, Commemoration Scholarships.

Under this Clause the full value of the award to the student, from public funds, is considered. Such awards may include two elements: one in respect of fees — either an amount towards the cost of fees or a fee waiver — and, the second, a stipend paid directly to the student for living costs. Where the full value of the award does not exceed the limit specified in the Schemes the student may also be approved for funding under the student grant schemes.

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