Vol. 542 No. 2
519 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will review a decision made on an application by a person (details supplied) in County Galway for a higher education grant on the basis of her father's income (details supplied) given that his income has been reduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23906/01]
The assessment of means for all applications under the maintenance grants schemes is based on gross income from all sources, with certain social welfare and health board payments being disregarded in the calculation of reckonable income. Under the terms of the 2001 schemes of student support, the reckonable income is all income for the year ended 5 April, 2001.
My Department understands that the person, referred to by the Deputy, applied to Galway County Council, the body charged with administering the scheme in this case, for grant assistance under the higher education grants scheme, 2001. Galway County Council has confirmed to my Department that the reckonable income in her case exceeds the prescribed income limits as set out in the scheme.
It is understood that a question arises as to the status of a change in the reckonable income in this case. The scheme provides that the eligibility of a person may be assessed or re-assessed by the local authority in the event of changes of circumstances relating to the candidate's reckonable income which is likely to be permanent, that is, likely to obtain for the duration of the approved course or for the foreseeable future. This is, however, a matter for consideration by the relevant local authority.
