Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

So far as it is possible or practicable, certainly it is always best to give appropriate notice between publication and the taking of a Bill. As the Deputy will be aware sometimes there are occasions when that is not possible, due to the urgency of a Bill coming through or whatever. In regard to the student support Bill, which is a Bill to place all student support schemes on a statutory footing and to designate VECs as awarding authorities to provide for a system of appeals and penalties for fraudulent applications for grants and to repeal the Local Authorities (Higher Education Grants) Acts 1968-92, I understand there are some outstanding issues from the amalgamation of the existing schemes and the Department is seeking to ensure a smooth transition from the existing schemes to the new arrangements. It is hoped the Bill will be published this session.

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