Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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121. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the increase in the income limits that have taken place in relation to the means testing of the SUSI grants since 2010; the increase in the average income during that period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41110/20]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The increase in the income limits that have taken place in relation to the student grants since 2010 have been in respect of the Special Rate of Grant. This is the highest rate of maintenance grant support available. The income threshold for the Special Rate of Grant is linked to movements in the Old Age Pension (OAP) and the increases in the OAP payments in recent years are reflected in the changes to the income threshold which has increased from €22,703 in 2010 to its current figure of €24,500.

According to the CSO, the increase in the average weekly income during the period Q3 2010 to Q3 2020 was 16%. Therefore, based on CSO data, annual average income for 2010 was €36,371.92 compared to €42,201.12 in 2020.

The student grant scheme has gradations to the income thresholds to further extend the coverage of eligibility for different grant values at the rates of 100%, 75%, 50% and 25% of maintenance grant. The Student Grant Scheme also provides for different levels of income thresholds where families have (i) less than 4 dependent children (ii) between 4 and 7 dependent children and (iii) 8 or more dependent children. In recognition of the additional cost to families where more than one person is attending college, income thresholds may also be increased by up to €4,830 for each additional family member attending college at the same time. In this way, the Student Grant Scheme is responsive to the individual circumstances of particular families.

Before adjustments for the number of dependent children, additional persons in college and income disregards, which can bring the qualifying income threshold up, the highest standard income threshold for a fee only grant is €54,240.

I do recognise that there is an immediate challenge which we must meet in responding to the changed economic circumstances brought about by Covid-19 and the likely effects of Brexit. I also want to look strategically at the wide range of issues related to the SUSI scheme and that is why I recently announced plans to review the scheme. It is intended that the review will commence shortly and will be completed by summer 2021. The review, which will include stakeholder consultation, will inform future decisions regarding the future direction of the SUSI scheme.