Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

On subhead C4, general current grants to universities, institutes of technology and other designated institutions of the Higher Education Authority and grant-in-aid, there is a difference of €73 million between the 2013 and 2014 Estimates. This computes to a reduction in the allocation of approximately 7%. I ask the Minister to explain this significant reduction.

On student grants, cuts to postgraduate grants this year, last year and in the coming year amount to €42 million. The impact of these cuts has been brutal, with many people no longer able to access third level education. I ask the Minister to comment.

One of the key principles underpinning education is the need to make it accessible. This has been done through free fees and the provision of maintenance grants for those with limited financial means. One particular measure has resulted in the withdrawal of the maintenance grant for many postgraduate students. In addition, many of those who would have received a maintenance grant previously will no longer have their fees covered. I am aware that a grant in respect of fees of up to €2,000 is available to those with very low means. I ask the Minister to comment because in the past two or three years postgraduate education has become a non-runner for many people who do not have the financial means to cover their costs.