Mr. Brian Power:

As I said in my opening statement, when we examined this in 2003 we increased the number of gradations from 100% and 50% to include 75% and 25%. Wherever we draw the line, people will be on the margin and this will always be a challenge. We must continue to examine the grant scheme on an annual basis to ensure it is as fair as it can possibly be.

However, the type of issue mentioned will always be problematic for people on the margin; that will always be the case, wherever we draw the line. That is part of the overall challenge. Also, if we increase the number of gradations, there is the challenge of the cost involved. There is either extra costs for the system as a whole or, if one brings the gradations within the current cost, it ultimately means that some students will receive less. We must examine all of these issues in the round.

One of the issues in this sphere which was raised by Senator Marie Moloney concerns the possibility of a loan scheme. Again, all of the issues involved are being fully considered. The committee is probably aware that we have an expert group on the future funding of higher education. Funding of higher education is often understood as meaning the funding of institutions, but it also includes student funding. It is part of the piece. We have a full system where there is institutional funding, a free fees scheme under which funding is paid into institutions on behalf of students, a student contribution payable by individual students and a student grants scheme which includes not only student maintenance grants but also covers fees and the full cost of the student contribution in almost all cases. In terms of the balance and how the broad suggestion of a loan scheme might fit into it, the issue must be examined in the round. That is what the future funding group is examining.