Eoghan Murphy (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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Question 68: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills, in view of the cuts being made to third level grants for the coming academic year 2011-2012 (details supplied), if a provision will be considered for those who entered into courses of two years' duration, as distinct from two separate years of study. [14969/11]

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 or vary any of the changes to the student grant measures announced in Budget 2011 by the previous Fianna Fáil - Green Party Government. 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.

Eoghan Murphy (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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Question 69: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a website (details supplied) still states that no decision to cut higher education grants has been finalised when individuals affected by this cut have been notified by their local councils of the change; when this decision was finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14970/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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My Department is aware of the position with the website in question. It has been in contact with the HEA in relation to this. While some updates have been carried to reflect the changes introduced under Budget 2011 by the previous Fianna Fáil-Green Party Government, work on updating it fully for the 2011/12 academic year is on-going. This will be completed when the student grant scheme for the 2011/12 academic year is available. I expect to be in a position to publish this shortly.