Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 741: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the reason the millennium fund is being cut; if she has considered opening the scheme to applicants in 2010/2011; if she believes closing the scheme will reduce the number of persons from disadvantaged backgrounds gaining access to third level institutions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31648/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy will be aware that the need for budgetary adjustment has made it necessary to discontinue the Millennium Partnership Fund from the 2010/11 academic year. The fund was disbursed by local Partnership Companies, 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 be supported under the means-tested student maintenance grant schemes. In addition, third level students in difficult financial circumstances will continue to have access to the Student Assistance Fund.