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4.12 Deputy J.M. Maçon of the Minister for Treasury and Resources regarding a solution for funding students going to university in 2017: [1(458)]
Further to the response given on 18th July 2017 by the Chief Minister to an oral question in relation to the Student Financing Sub-Committee, that a solution for funding students going to university this year would be given “appropriate consideration” for Budget 2018, can the Minister advise what measures, if any, he plans to propose; and if not, why not?
Senator A.J.H. Maclean (The Minister for Treasury and Resources):
I intend that we bring proposals on this matter to the Assembly in or alongside the Budget 2018. A number of options are being evaluated, including developing the existing grant scheme and variants of a loan scheme. My intention is that any changes to policy would be accessible by all undergraduates from the date at which the measures are implemented.
- Deputy J.M. Maçon:
Is the Minister able to advise when this information will be available for the States Members? Senator A.J.H. Maclean:
I will be able to update States Members in October with regard to the progress. As I have already pointed out, if some of the measures are to form part of the Budget, then that is going to be lodged on 3rd October and Members will be briefed on the 2nd.
- Deputy L.M.C. Doublet of St. Saviour :
Is the Minister accounting in his calculations for those who perhaps have already left school over the last 5 to 10 years, are in employment currently, but might reconsider and want to go back into education when there is a funding solution in place?
Senator A.J.H. Maclean:
It is an interesting point by the Deputy and it just demonstrates the challenges in considering so many different options; that is one variable of course. We have been talking, as Members would expect, with the Education Department. They are putting together quite a bit of data and that data includes all sorts of variables. I am not sure, off the top of my head, whether it includes the precise example that the Deputy has referred to but I am more than happy to update her when I check on that with my colleague from Education.
Deputy J.M. Maçon:
I thank the Minister for his response and look forward to the information as and when.