28 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has to increase third level maintenance grants in view of a recent report on student poverty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14952/98]

29 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason it is proposed to increase the level of third level grants by less than 2 per cent when the anticipated level of inflation is well in excess of this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14981/98]

58 Mr. L. Burke asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on whether the level of maintenance paid to those on higher education grants is sufficient to support a family on low income in maintaining a student at third level. [14959/98]

105 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will reconsider his decision to increase third level maintenance grants by less than 2 per cent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14953/98]

350 Ms M. McGennis asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has for increases and changes in higher education grants. [15079/98]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 28, 29, 58, 105 and 350 together.

The 1998 third level student support schemes have recently been issued to local authorities and vocational education committees. It has been the practice in recent years to increase maintenance grants in line with inflation as measured by the change in the consumer price index for the period mid-February to mid-February each year. The inflation figure as provided by the Central Statistics Office for the period mid-February 1997 to mid-February 1998 was 1.7 per cent. The value of the maintenance grant was therefore increased by 1.7 per cent.