Written answers

Tuesday, 19 January 2010

Department of Education and Science

Higher Education Grants

9:00 pm

Photo of Ruairi QuinnRuairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 1005: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if he has removed the eligibility for students who receive the back to education allowance to apply for higher education maintenance grants in budget 2010; the way in which students will be able to have their registration fees paid if they have not applied for a maintenance grant; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that many students have spent years attempting to complete their studies and this will hinder their chance of success; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48300/09]

Photo of Ruairi QuinnRuairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 1006: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if all students in receipt of maintenance grants will receive a 5% cut in their payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48301/09]

Photo of Ruairi QuinnRuairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 1027: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if, further to the changes made in budget 2010 regarding the back to education allowance, persons who are currently studying a level five post leaving certificate course, receive the back to education allowance and are currently in receipt of a higher education maintenance grant will be considered as a new applicants in September 2010 if they progress into another course at a higher level; if they will still be able to receive the maintenance grant in future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48568/09]

Photo of Batt O'KeeffeBatt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1005, 1006 and 1027 together.

From September 2010, as announced in the Budget, all new applicants who are in receipt of the Back to Education Allowance for all schemes, and the VTOS allowances for those pursuing PLC courses, will be ineligible for student support maintenance grants. The cost of the student services charge and any fees payable to colleges will continue to be met, for eligible students, by the Exchequer on their behalf. They should apply to their assessing authority to have their eligibility assessed.

Students currently in receipt of the BTEA or VTOS allowances and the maintenance grant will continue to be eligible for both payments for the duration of their current course provided they meet the terms and conditions of the scheme. Students progressing to a new course, with effect from 2010/11, will no longer be eligible for student support maintenance grants but can apply for assistance towards the cost of the student services charge and any fees payable.

The 5% reduction in maintenance grants payments will apply to all students. The reductions in the rates of student grants were necessary to ensure that the system is not extended beyond what current resources will allow.

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