Smyth welcomes new Third Level Grant administrative changes and calls on students to apply early

Local Fianna Fáil County Councillor and member of Cavan VEC, Niamh Smyth has today called on all students intending to apply for the Third Level Maintenance Grant from either Cavan County Council or Cavan VEC to submit their applications as early as possible.

‘With so many young people now choosing to go on to further education this year, it is important that applicants should submit all their documentation as early as possible to facilitate a speedy decision’, said Cllr. Smyth

“There have been a number of administrative changes to the Third Level Grants scheme for the 2010 / 2011 period. The application forms which are now available from the County Council and VEC websites have been made more user-friendly and easier to complete. There is also a new payment scheme so that awarding bodies will receive an advance payment in order to make sure grants to students are paid on time,” added Cllr. Smyth.

I am delighted to see that in spite of the downward trend in incomes, the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills has decided to keep the same income limits.

"Leaving income limits unchanged despite a fall in average earnings means that students from families on low to middle incomes will continue to be eligible for important financial help from the Government in covering the costs of third-level education," concluded Cllr. Smyth.