§ Mr. ÖpikTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what estimate his Department has made of the cost of restoring general student entitlement to social security benefits at current levels in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement. [114663]
§ Mr. George HowarthMy Department has not estimated the cost of restoring social security benefit entitlement to students generally. The primary source of financial support for full-time students comes from the education system and most full-time students are not eligible to claim income-related benefits. However, certain students in vulnerable groups, such as lone parents, can claim these benefits under the current rules.
§ Mr. ÖpikTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many students are currently in receipt of Income Support and Housing Benefit in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement. [114665]
§ Mr. George HowarthThe Social Security Agency does not hold statistics in such a way as to enable us to identify the number of students currently receiving Income Support and Housing Benefit. However, available information shows that 109 students are currently in receipt of Housing Benefit.