Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 455: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of mature students attending third level in 2002; the number of disadvantaged students attending third level in 2002; the number of mature students attending third level in 2006; the number of disadvantaged students attending third level in 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13804/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The number of mature students enrolled in third level courses in 2002/2003 was 31,000 while the number in 2005/2006 was of the order of 38,000. Using the top-up grant system as a measure of disadvantage, the number of students qualifying for the grant in 2002/2003 was 8,300 and, in 2005/2006, was of the order of 10,000. A comprehensive national survey of New Entrants to Higher Education in 2004 was published by the HEA in 2006 and I will arrange to have a copy sent to the Deputy.