Mervyn Taylor
Question:208 Mr. Taylor asked the Minister for Education if she has any proposals to make higher education grants available for mature students who wish to pursue third level courses; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Grants for Mature Students.
There is no special provision in the higher education grants scheme at present for mature students and all applicants must satisfy the requirements with regard to attainments in the leaving certificate, parental income etc.
However, in the Programme for Economic and Social Progress, an undertaking has been given to re-examine a number of areas of the scheme. These include the question of the assessment of income of mature students who are not dependent on their parents as well as regarding mature students who secure a place in a third level institution as satisfying the academic requirements for the award of a grant under the scheme.
These matters are currently being examined within my Department.