COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
Monday, September 08, 2008
Headed Item No. 13
ADOPTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION GRANT SCHEME 2008/2009
REPORT:
The Higher Education Grants Scheme for 2008/2009 was issued by the Department of Education on 17th July 2008.
Due to the delay in Departmental issue of details of the 2008 scheme and approaching timescale for receipt of student applications Members approval in principle to adoption of the Scheme to facilitate processing of the Higher Education Grant Applications was sought at the July meeting, pending formal adoption of the Scheme at the September meeting of the Council.
There have been some changes to the scheme, particularly in relation to the reconable income limits and consideration of grants as part of the annual Departmental budget process. The main changes to the 2008/2009 Scheme are as follows:
- 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.
- The annual income threshold for the special rate is being increased from €18,055 to €20,147.
- The maximum rate for fees has increased from €6110 to €6270 and the student registration fee from €825 to €900.
- In relation to the rates of maintenance grant, the current rates will continue to apply up to the end of 2008.
- Increases in student maintenance grants will be considered as part of the annual Department’s Budget process and rates will become effective on a financial year rather than an academic year basis. Student maintenance grant rates from January 2009 will therefore be considered in the context of next December’s Budget.
A comparison of figures from 2007 to 2008 outlining the changes for the Reckonable Income Limits as referred to above are set out below.
Reckonable Income Limits for ordinary rates of grant for 2007
| No. of Dependent Children | Full Maintenance and Full Fees | Part Maintenance (75%) and Full Fees | Part Maintenance (50%) and Full Fees | Part Maintenance (25%) and Full Fees | Part Tuition Fees (50%) only* |
| Less than 4 | €38,675 | €41,085 | €43,500 | €45,920 | €48,335 |
| 4-7 | €42,490 | €45,150 | €47,805 | €50,465 | €53,120 |
| 8 or more | €46,140 | €49,025 | €51,905 | €54,785 | €57,665 |
*Full Student Service Charge is paid where income is at or below this level.
Reckonable Income Limits for ordinary rates of grant for 2008
| No. of Dependent Children | Full Maintenance and Full Fees | Part Maintenance (75%) and Full Fees | Part Maintenance (50%) and Full Fees | Part Maintenance (25%) and Full Fees | Part Tuition Fees (50%) only* |
| Less than 4 | €39,760 | €42,235 | €44,720 | €47,205 | €49,690 |
| 4-7 | €43,680 | €46,415 | €49,145 | €51,880 | €54,605 |
| 8 or more | €47,430 | €50,400 | €53,360 | €56,320 | €59,280 |
*Full Student Service Charge is paid where income is at or below this level.
Maintenance Grants Rates (To remain as 2007/2008 as follows until further advised by the Department of Education)
Non-Adjacent Rate
Adjacent Rate
Full Maintenance
€3,420
€1,370
Part Maintenance (75%)
€2,565
€1,030
Part Maintenance (50%)
€1,710
€685
Part Maintenance (25%)
€855
€345
Special Maintenance Grants Rates (To remain as 2007/2008 as follows until further advised by the Department of Education)
| Grant | Standard Grant | Special Rate Amount | Total Grant |
| Non Adjacent Rate | €3,420 | €3,270 | €6,690 |
| Adjacent Rate | €1,370 | €1,310 | €2,680 |
In accordance with Section 5 of the Local Authorities (Higher Education Grants) Act, 1968 the adoption of the Scheme is a reserved function of the Council.
It is recommended that the Council adopt the Draft Scheme as proposed.
When the Scheme is adopted it will be submitted to the Minister of Education for formal approval.