Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 581: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if his Department will make an announcement some time in 2009 regarding the need to increase the income thresholds that apply for third level maintenance grants; if in view of the decision in budget 2009 not to increase maintenance grants for 2009, the decision to extend the existing income limit for such grants will be taken in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42733/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The process of reviewing the income limits and other aspects of the general criteria for the 2009 maintenance grant schemes is on going in my Department at present. The income thresholds for the current academic year 2008/2009 for the student maintenance grant were increased from September this year in line with movements in the average industrial wage for students in receipt of the standard rate of grant. In addition, the income threshold for the Special Rate of maintenance grant was substantially increased with effect from September 2008 by 11.6% from €18,055 to €20,147. I am committed to ongoing improvements in the student support schemes as resources permit.