Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 118: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which students already committed to third level courses are finding it difficult to remain in education due to cut backs introduced by the previous administration; if it might be possible to address any such issues with particular reference to those who may be forced to drop out of third level courses due to changes in the non-adjacent grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25596/11]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 120: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if any examination has been done regarding the total number of third level students who might be forced out of the education system in the wake of austerity measures introduced by the previous administration; if he will examine any steps that could be taken to address such issues given the desirability of encouraging continued education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25598/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 118 and 120 together.

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 the removal of the automatic entitlement of mature students to the non-adjacent rate of grant and an increase in the qualifying distance criterion for the non-adjacent rate of grant.

From this September, 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. Those on particularly low incomes will also continue to receive a "top-up" in the special rate of grant. In addition, third level students in difficult financial circumstances will have access to the Student Assistance Fund. A study of progression in Irish Higher Education' – Oct 2010 looked at new entrants in 2007-8 and their progression into 2008-9. This report is a reference document that will inform policy and the development of interventions to improve rates of completion and graduation' in higher education.

I understand the concerns of students with regard to the changes to the student grant schemes for the 2011/12 academic year 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.