369 Ms Fox asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that people under the age of 23 who apply for a grant to local authorities for PLCs are required to submit details of their parents' income, even in cases where they no longer live at home, and have families of their own; if he will consider updating this system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20042/02]

My Department funds three means-tested maintenance grant schemes for third level education students in respect of attendance on approved courses in approved third level institutions and one maintenance grant scheme in respect of students attending approved post leaving certificate courses in approved PLC centres. They are: (a) the higher education grants scheme; (b) the vocational education committees' scholarship scheme; (c) the third level maintenance grants scheme for trainees; and (d) the maintenance grant scheme for students attending post leaving certificate courses.