Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 58: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will immediately reverse the qualifying criteria for the non-adjacent rate of higher education grants in view of the fact that it directly impedes upon 628 students attending the IT in Tralee, County Kerry who are in receipt of the student grant and it will also have grave consequences for the college. [11047/11]

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 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 include 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.

I regret that given current economic circumstances I am not in a position to reverse any of the 2011 budgetary changes to the student grant schemes including that relating to the qualifying distance criteria for the non-adjacent rate of grant.

The Deputy may wish to know that, qualifying mature students, 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 €5 million remains available through the access offices of third-level institutions to assist students in exceptional financial need.

In addition, qualifying mature students who reside 45 kilometres or more from their higher education institution will be eligible for the higher non-adjacent rate of grant.

I understand the concerns of students with regard to the 2011 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.