Athlone IT students from south Westmeath and Longford who are receiving grants could be set to lose out as a result of the Budget, according to Fine Gael Senator, Nicky McFadden.
Senator McFadden says that students in the Kilbeggan, Tyrellspass, Ballymore, Moyvore, Ballymahon, Newtowncashel, Keenagh, Edgeworthstown, and Longford areas may be affected.
“I am surprised that the changes introduced by the Government to the third level maintenance grant scheme have not attracted more media attention. In changing the qualifying criteria for the non-adjacent grant, many qualifying students will see their grant rate dramatically reduced. Students will now only qualify for the non-adjacent rate if they live more than 45 kms (28 miles ) from their college, whereas before it was 24 kms (15 miles ).
“I am very concerned that local students living in the general south Westmeath and Longford areas attending Athlone IT will see their grant payments dramatically reduced. For example, this year the non-adjacent rate for a full maintenance grant was €3,250. The adjacent rate however was just €1,300, almost €2,000 per annum less,” said Senator McFadden.
“It gets worse. Despite cutting the maintenance grant rate by 5 per cent in 2010, a further cut of 4 per cent will be imposed on students in 2011. On top of this cut, the Government is increasing third level registration fees from €1,500 to €2,000 per year.
“These cuts will have a very damaging effect on many local students, perhaps forcing them to travel to third level education further away. For a student to qualify for a maintenance grant their family income must be low to begin with. These cuts may mean third level education is no longer a viable option for many young people.
“Fine Gael has a fairer way and will overhaul how the third level sector is funded through our radical policy, The Third Way, which will ensure that college is free at point of entry for all students.”
