Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 32: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will reverse the decision in Budget 2011 to cut the student maintenance grant by 4%; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47676/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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As announced in the Budget, a reduction of 4% is being applied to the rates of student grants. This reduction is being implemented in respect of all existing and new grant-holders from January 2011. This reduction is in line with reductions in other income maintenance payments including those for the unemployed.

The reductions in the rates of student grants were necessary to ensure that the system is not extended beyond what current resources will allow in a climate of overall pressures on public finances.

Students who qualify for student grants will continue to receive substantial grant funding, together with full support for payment of the student service charge. Those on particularly low incomes will also continue to receive a "top-up" in the special rate of grant.

In addition, some €5m will continue to be made available through the access offices of third-level institutions to assist students in exceptional financial need. The access offices themselves will also continue to provide support and advice to students to enable them to continue with their studies.