Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 354: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the concerns expressed by student representatives, individual students and many parents regarding the Student Support Bill 2008 not being finalised; if his further attention has been drawn to the concerns expressed by parties within the education system regarding the lack of progress of this legislation; when will the Bill be concluded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47298/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy will be aware that a number of amendments to the Student Support Bill in relation to legal and policy issues which have arisen since Second Stage are being advanced by my Department in close consultation with the Office of the Attorney General. In relation to the Programme of Legislative and Administrative Reform of Student Grants, my Department engages on an on-going basis with the key stakeholders, including the Union of Students in Ireland (USI), on a range of relevant issues and in particular, on the Student Support Bill. Officials of my Department met with USI on 18th November, 2009 to provide an update in relation to progress on the Bill.