Menu
05/02/2008
New Streamlined Grants Scheme For Students
A bill has been introduced that will streamline the student grant application scheme to provide a single statutory basis for all claims.
Publishing the Student Support Bill 2008, Minister Hanafin said: "The development of a unified system of student support will greatly assist those embarking on higher and further education who need financial support.
"The publication of this Bill marks an important milestone in the process," he said.
The Bill will provide the general basis on which students will in future be eligible for a grant, and determines that the Vocational Education Committees (VEC) would be given sole responsibility for the administration of student maintenance grants, halving the number of grant awarding authorities to 33.
Minister Hanafin said this will significantly simplify the range of different grants and awarding authorities which students must currently negotiate in order to apply for a grant and ensure the timely delivery of grants to those who need them most.
Other significant developments provided for in the Bill include the introduction of a new Independent Appeals Board, which will promote greater transparency in the grant-awarding process.
The Bill also provides for the strengthening of the process whereby fraudulent claims can be rigorously pursued by an awarding authority.
The Bill is set to underpin Government policy to improve equal access to further and higher education for underrepresented groups by requiring the institutions involved to draw up and implement access plans and equality policies.
(VB)
Publishing the Student Support Bill 2008, Minister Hanafin said: "The development of a unified system of student support will greatly assist those embarking on higher and further education who need financial support.
"The publication of this Bill marks an important milestone in the process," he said.
The Bill will provide the general basis on which students will in future be eligible for a grant, and determines that the Vocational Education Committees (VEC) would be given sole responsibility for the administration of student maintenance grants, halving the number of grant awarding authorities to 33.
Minister Hanafin said this will significantly simplify the range of different grants and awarding authorities which students must currently negotiate in order to apply for a grant and ensure the timely delivery of grants to those who need them most.
Other significant developments provided for in the Bill include the introduction of a new Independent Appeals Board, which will promote greater transparency in the grant-awarding process.
The Bill also provides for the strengthening of the process whereby fraudulent claims can be rigorously pursued by an awarding authority.
The Bill is set to underpin Government policy to improve equal access to further and higher education for underrepresented groups by requiring the institutions involved to draw up and implement access plans and equality policies.
(VB)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 January 2020
Social Enterprises To Benefit From Dormant Accounts Fund
An additional €1 million from the Dormant Accounts Fund has been awarded for social enterprises under the pilot Small Capital Grants Scheme for Social Enterprises.
Social Enterprises To Benefit From Dormant Accounts Fund
An additional €1 million from the Dormant Accounts Fund has been awarded for social enterprises under the pilot Small Capital Grants Scheme for Social Enterprises.
20 April 2016
Minister Seeks Applications For Student Grants Appeals Board
The Minister for Education and Skills is seeking applications for vacancies on the independent Student Grants Appeals Board for September 2016 to September 2021. The Student Grants Appeals Board is a statutory independent Board established under Section 25 of the Student Support Act 2011.
Minister Seeks Applications For Student Grants Appeals Board
The Minister for Education and Skills is seeking applications for vacancies on the independent Student Grants Appeals Board for September 2016 to September 2021. The Student Grants Appeals Board is a statutory independent Board established under Section 25 of the Student Support Act 2011.
22 January 2016
€400,000 Funding Secured For Arts Organisations
More than €400,000 in funding has been secured for arts organisations, Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys. The funding is being allocated as part of the Department's Small Capital Grants Scheme and will be used to support arts groups and venues. More than 60 organisations will benefit, with maximum grants of €10,000.
€400,000 Funding Secured For Arts Organisations
More than €400,000 in funding has been secured for arts organisations, Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys. The funding is being allocated as part of the Department's Small Capital Grants Scheme and will be used to support arts groups and venues. More than 60 organisations will benefit, with maximum grants of €10,000.
07 January 2013
Food Boxes Provided For Students Still Waiting For Grants
Students' Unions across the country are providing boxes of food for students who are still waiting on grant assistance. The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) has encouraged all Students' Unions to provide whatever assistance they can to those who are now looking to them for their basic needs.
Food Boxes Provided For Students Still Waiting For Grants
Students' Unions across the country are providing boxes of food for students who are still waiting on grant assistance. The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) has encouraged all Students' Unions to provide whatever assistance they can to those who are now looking to them for their basic needs.
12 June 2012
Education Ministers Urge Students To Apply Now For Grants
Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn has urged Leaving Cert students who may be entitled to grant aid in college next year to apply as early as possible. The recommendation comes following the introduction of a new unified third-level grants system called Students Universal Support Ireland.
Education Ministers Urge Students To Apply Now For Grants
Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn has urged Leaving Cert students who may be entitled to grant aid in college next year to apply as early as possible. The recommendation comes following the introduction of a new unified third-level grants system called Students Universal Support Ireland.
-
Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
