Dr. Emer Smyth:

It is about supports further back, including supports for DEIS schools and for disadvantaged students in non-DEIS schools. Over half of those from disadvantaged backgrounds are not attending DEIS schools so are not getting support by virtue of their disadvantage. We need to look at increasing maintenance grants to a level that is adequate to allow students to be relatively independent of their parents and of the necessity in engage in long hours of term-time employment. That might mean we focus on a smaller group than those who currently receive grants, but that we do so with a greater level of intensity. I would consider a student loan systems for others. That would provide some contribution from them towards the cost of their education. The State will still play a role because the State benefits from higher education and its output but it needs to be made more sustainable by relying on contributions from those who benefit from a degree and a postgraduate degree.