Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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Question 25: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he proposes to make any changes to the adjacent and non-adjacent rates of payment for higher education grants as outlined in budget 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14478/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I regret that the economic circumstances of the country are such that I am not in a position to reverse any of the changes to the student grant measures announced in Budget 2011 by the previous Fianna Fáil - Green Party Government. These changes included an increase in the qualifying distance criterion for the non-adjacent rate of grant.

I am very conscious of the fundamental role played by the student grant schemes in supporting families who are putting their children through further and higher education and I understand their concerns at the 2011 budgetary measures. I will take account of these in considering any future changes to the student grant schemes as part of the budgetary process for 2012 and beyond, having regard to the position of the public finances.