Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein)
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Question 84: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will reverse the cuts to third level grants, the impact of which will force thousands of students out of college. [5005/11]

Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Question 95: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will reverse recent changes to distance criteria for third level students availing of grant aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5168/11]

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 101: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will reverse the proposed changes in Budget 2011 relating to third level student grant schemes. [5182/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 95, 101 and 84 together.

I understand that the changes to the student grant schemes introduced under Budget 2011 were designed to manage additional cost pressures arising from a significant increase in the number of students qualifying for grants, a proportionate increase in the number of students qualifying for higher rates of grants and payment of the Student Service Charge on behalf of grant-holders.

The Deputies will appreciate that the current economic circumstances of the country are such that I am not in a position to reverse these changes at this time.

However, I do understand the fears and concerns of students in this regard and I will take account of these in considering any future changes as part of the budgetary process for 2012 and beyond, having regard to the position of the public finances.