Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 133: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he contemplates any changes to third level student grants for the next academic year; if he will address this with specific reference to grant schemes that are in place for mature students at institutes of technology; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6562/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I understand that the changes to the student grant schemes introduced under Budget 2011 by the previous Fianna Fail - Green Party government including those relative to mature students, 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.

These changes included removal of the automatic eligibility of mature students to the higher non-adjacent rate of grant. This will come into effect from the start of the 2011/12 academic year. However, mature students who reside 45 kilometres or more from their higher education institution will continue to be eligible for the higher non-adjacent rate of grant.

I understand the concerns of students with regard to these measures 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.

Qualifying mature students attending Institutes of Technology, as with all other qualifying students, will continue to receive student grants at the current rate applicable to their individual circumstances together with full support for payment of fees and the Student Contribution. Those on particularly low incomes will also continue to receive a "top-up" in the special rate of maintenance 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.