asked the Minister for Education if it is proposed to increase the amounts granted under departmental scholarships to the universities, in view of the change in money values since the present amounts were originally fixed, and particularly as these scholarships are intended for the assistance of students from lower income families.

The Department's university scholarships are awarded on the results of the leaving certificate examination and are not subject to the operation of a means test. The maximum annual value of a scholarship is £150 and, having regard to existing conditions, I am satisfied that this amount is adequate.