Young people who completed their Leaving Certificate this year and are looking to go on to third-level education may be interested in the outcome of a legal challenge brought against the government.

The Irish Times reports that three students have taken a case to the High Court to stop proposed changes to maintenance grants that could cut funding for certain individuals.

Under the old rules, anyone who lives more than 24 km from their college was entitled to an extra non-adjacent grant to help with their studies, but as of this month, this threshold is increasing to 45 km.

The court heard this decision could reduce the amount of money received by the three students by up to 60 per cent, which they stated would result in great difficulties for them.

Alan Wallace, the claimants' solicitor, said the ruling could potentially affect the funding received by thousands of people throughout the country.

Under the new rules, adjacent rates for those within the new 45 km threshold, are 1,250 euros a year for full maintenance grants, while those outside this limit receive a non-adjacent rate of 3,120 euros.

Written by Donal Walsh
 

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