Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour) | Oireachtas source

First, there is limited money available. I do not know if the Deputy is proposing that we put increased moneys we receive into student grants when there are other competing interests. For example, people are looking for extra guidance teachers in schools, extra capitation grants and a reduction in class sizes. There are, therefore, many areas where we are under pressure to spend money. We have, by and large, managed to retain the grants scheme, despite the economic downturn, but we will have to make very difficult choices. There is no discrimination in regard to it being a case of rural Ireland versus urban Ireland in terms of access to grants or accommodation. As I said, there are many students who do not live near enough to their college to live at home, whether in urban or rural Ireland. I have already addressed the issue of accommodation. The Deputy knows that the Government has significantly increased the amount of money for housing, on which we made a significant announcement this year, despite the economic difficulties, and will continue to do so. I mentioned the strategic investment fund as one area from which there may be funding available for student accommodation. I have engaged directly with the higher education institutions on their providing student accommodation for their students.

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