[Article] Increases in student-grant limits outlined

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2008/0718/breaking17.htm

Increases in student-grant limits outlined

The details of the Increase in student-grant income limits from the start of the 2008/09 academic year were announced today by Minister for Education and Science Batt O’Keeffe.

The income limits are being increased in line with movements in the average industrial wage for students in receipt of the standard rates of grant.

The top limit for grant eligibility where there are less than four dependent children has been increased from €48,335 to €49,690. This ensures over 56,000 students from households with moderate incomes will not have to pay the student service charge, a statement from the Minister said.

In addition, for some 13,000 students in receipt of the higher, special rate of maintenance grant, the annual income threshold is being increased by 11.6 per cent from €18,055 to €20,147 in line with the relevant social welfare comparators.

Mr O'Keeffe indicated that current rates of maintenance grants would continue to apply up to the end of 2008.

“Increases in student grants will, in future, be considered as part of the annual Budget process in December each year and rates will become effective on a financial, rather than an academic year basis. Student grant rates from January 2009 will be considered in the context of the December budget,” he said.

The Minister continued: ”These increases in the income limits will serve to ensure that students from families on low to middle incomes will continue to benefit from State support towards the living costs associated with participation in third-level education.”

The 2008/09 student grant schemes have been issued to the awarding bodies - the local authorities and the VECs. The schemes can be accessed and/or downloaded from the “Students & Trainees” section of the website of the Department of Education and Science at www.education.ie.

© 2008 irishtimes.com

snubbleste

“Increases in student grants will, in future, be considered as part of the annual Budget process in December each year and rates will become effective on a financial, rather than an academic year basis. Student grant rates from January 2009 will be considered in the context of the December budget,”

So the grant payment remains the same as 2007/2008. Will the December budget backdate any grant increases to September 2008? If there is any increase in the grant then this will be paid from January onwards?

I assume that the decision for increasing the grant will happen in December, with the decision coming into force for the next year. So basically no change this year which is poor.

http://www.independent.ie/national-news/students-feel-pinch-as-grant-loses-out-on-boost-1435750.html?service=Print

Independent.ie
Students feel pinch as grant loses out on boost

Breda Heffernan

The Government was accused of laying the ground for cuts in education spending after it emerged there will be no increase in third-level grants this year.

Taoiseach Brian Cowen was criticised for not providing enough detail, when he announced cuts of almost €1.5bn in public spending last week.

However, it has now emerged that third-level students will be among those feeling the pinch.

Education Minister Batt O'Keeffe said yesterday that there would be an increase in the income thresholds for determining eligibility for the grant, however, there would be no increase in the grant itself this year.

Any hike will come into effect next January, although the country's worsening finances makes this unlikely.

"Increases in student grants will, in future, be considered as part of the annual Budget process in December each year and rates will become effective on a financial, rather than an academic year basis," he said.

Inflation

The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) reacted angrily to the news, saying that the lack of an increase, combined with spiralling inflation, meant this was effectively a cut for the 56,000 students who received the grant.

"What we see here is the Government using the most vulnerable people in our society as a cost-saving measure. The Government haven't increased the grant in any way and that is going to make life much tougher for families already struggling.

"While inflation is running at 4pc, this effectively amounts to a decrease in the financial supports being offered to students," he added.

Fine Gael education spokesman Brian Hayes said assurances given that education would be exempt from the cutbacks have been exposed as "spin and lies".

The top limit for a partial-tuition grant, where there are less than four dependant children, has been increased from €48,335 to just under €50,000.

To be entitled to the full maintenance and full-fees grant, a student's family must have a top income of €39,760.

-

©Independent.ie