Tom Sheahan (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Question 894: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science if she will reverse the cuts in funding for mature students attending third level colleges (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14720/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The current difficult economic circumstances have necessitated tough choices to control public expenditure and to ensure sustainability in the long run. As announced in Budget 2010, a reduction of 5% was applied to the rates of student grants and scholarships. This reduction was implemented in respect of all grant-holders including mature students from January 2010. Changes in the rates of student grant are considered as part of the annual Budget process each year and rates become effective on a financial, rather than an academic year basis.

From September 2010, as announced in the Budget, all new applicants including mature students who are in receipt of the Back to Education Allowance for all schemes and the VTOS allowances for those pursuing PLC courses, will be ineligible for student maintenance grants. The cost of the student services charge and any fees payable to colleges will continue to be met, for eligible students, by the Excheqeur on their behalf. They should apply to their assessing authority to have their eligibility assessed.

Students currently in receipt of the BTEA or VTOS allowances and the maintenance grant will continue to be eligible for both payments for the duration of their current course, provided they continue to meet the terms and conditions of the scheme. Students progressing to a new course, with effect from 2010/11, will no longer be eligible for student maintenance grants but can apply for assistance towards the cost of the student services charge and any fees payable.