Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 354: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if there have been any changes to the eligibility criteria for those seeking a maintenance grant or tuition support for a postgraduate course; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33824/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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In July 2009 my predecessor gave notice that, with effect from the start of the 2010/11 academic year, a number of changes to the student grant schemes would be introduced. These included:

Some social welfare allowances, including the Back to Education Allowance which had been excluded in the means-testing process, will be included as reckonable income in assessing eligibility for student grants;

The income tax adjustment for farm stock relief will be disregarded in calculating reckonable income for means-testing purposes;

The residency requirement in the State for grant eligibility will be increased from one year to three out of the past five years for the student — a move that's in line with provisions already outlined in the Student Support Bill;

The duration of the break in studies required for re-entry as an independently assessed mature student will be increased from one year to three years.

In addition, 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 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 continue to 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 maintenance grants but can apply for assistance towards the cost of the student services charge and any fees payable.

These changes are applicable to all students, including postgraduate students. Students should apply to their local authority or VEC to establish their eligibility.