Written answers

Wednesday, 25 May 2011

Department of Education and Skills

Higher Education Grants

8:00 pm

Photo of Gerry AdamsGerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 104: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills in view of the changes to the higher education grants scheme in budget 2011, which will see some students dropping as much as €4,000 annually, if he will reverse the distance students must live from their place of study to qualify for the non-adjacent rate of the higher education grants scheme. [12983/11]

Photo of Ruairi QuinnRuairi 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.

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.

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.

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