Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 1046: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the reason third level grants and the millennium fund are being cut; if he plans to reverse these cuts; his views on whether these schemes are the only paths to education for many persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1056/10]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy will recall that measures had to be taken in the Budget to safeguard the future payment of income supports in the welfare system by reducing the levels of payments. Similarly, the reductions in the rates of student grants were necessary to ensure that the system is not extended beyond what current resources will allow.

The Millennium Partnership Fund, introduced by the Government from 2000, was disbursed by local Partnership Companies in disadvantaged areas, mostly in the form of small grants to individual students to cover costs of items such as books and travel. Most students in receipt of support from the fund will continue to qualify for the means-tested student maintenance grant and many will benefit from the significantly higher special rate of grant.

In addition, the Student Assistance Fund, administered by access officers in the individual institutions, will continue to be available to meet costs in hardship cases for items such as books and travel at third level.