Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is very positive to hear of this additional part-time fee-support scheme, which will be an enormous boost for those who wish to enter part-time education while juggling work and family commitments. These additional grants will help with the expenses of textbooks, course supplies and other academic resources which play a crucial role. It is important that the Minister is backing part-time education. Many of the universities, technical universities and colleges are establishing part-time courses to meet the needs of the local enterprise plans and industries in their regions. Supporting part-time students will allow them to blend their academic commitments with their family obligations, etc. This will be versatile education and address the requirements in further and higher education.

See this speech in context