THE Union of Students in Ireland has strongly attacked a Government decision to increase third level student grants by just 1.5 per cent next year. The Department of Education has confirmed that local authorities were notified of the increase, to be paid from September, last week.
USI's education officer Mr Malcolm Byrne said yesterday a student living away from home on the maximum maintenance grant for a 36 week academic year would get an extra £24, or 67p more a week and those living at home would receive an extra £10, or 36p more a week.
"The Minister for Education has given those who are poor enough to qualify for a grant the price of a Mars bar per week."
A Department spokesman said the 1.5 per cent increase was broadly in line with inflation". He said last year's 5 per cent increase was twice the rate of inflation, but resources do not permit that level of increase this year".
The Labour Party's manifesto promises increases in student grants above the rate of inflation with additional payments for students from low income families.
Mr Byrne referred to Dr Pat Clancy's recent report to the Higher Education Authority which recommended that to enable more disadvantaged students to continue to third level education, the maintenance grant should be doubled. In its prebudget submission, USI sought a 10 per cent increase in the grant.
He said social welfare recipients received a £3 a week increase in the last Budget. Nearly 50,000 students receive maintenance grants, although a significant proportion of these receive only £150 a year to cover the student services charge.
The union welcomed the Department's decision to exclude some social welfare and health board payments such as child benefit and one parent allowances and various disability benefits when assessing applicants for student grants.