In the programme for Government, when dealing with education, at page 87 a commitment is given to tackle disadvantage and make third level education available to those on lower incomes. I am currently dealing with a constituent who receives monthly family income supplement, which means, in other words, the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection recognises the family needs a supplementary payment in order to meet a minimum standard of living. The same family applied for a SUSI grant for their eldest child, who is hopefully going to third level in September, and they were refused on income grounds. It is appropriate that the Ministers, Deputies Regina Doherty and Bruton, are both in the Chamber. If an anomaly exists where one Department of the State sees the situation merits giving a payment to reach a minimum standard of living, and another Department of the State does not see it as appropriate that this family should receive a grant to educate their child, there must be something radically wrong. I ask that this be addressed.

The position is that the means tests that are applied in the case of the different rates of grants under SUSI are separate from social welfare means tests, so different means tests are being applied. I am aware of some difficulties that have arisen with the highest rate of grant where there is an income threshold and also a social welfare eligibility requirement. The SUSI grants are being reviewed at present and I am aware of the problem to which the Deputy refers. As things stand, there is no solution but we are reviewing the grants scheme.