Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The Deputies have raised a legitimate issue in a responsible way and I am responding in that manner. Most of us in the House this evening have already received our education. We are talking about students who are struggling now, in very difficult times, when trying to get alternative finance by way of a loan is extremely difficult. I am acutely conscious of that. What we want to do between now and Christmas is to provide confirmation to approximately 33,000 students that they will receive the grant to which they are entitled. I remind the House that 42% of students at undergraduate level receive a grant of some kind, either a complete grant comprising both maintenance and fees, or a partial grant. That is what I am setting out to do. It is not for the Department of Education and Skills to run the system, but the Department - including the Minister - is completely responsible and accountable to this House for the effectiveness of the system. It is not working the way it should at present. I acknowledge that and everyone in this House acknowledges it.

See this speech in context