Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 68: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views regarding a submission (details supplied); if there is any means available to the person to allow them complete their studies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28027/11]

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 scheme announced in Budget 2011 by the previous Fianna Fáil - Green Party Government. These changes include the removal of the automatic entitlement of mature students to the non-adjacent rate of grant, which is the subject matter of the submission to which the Deputy refers.

However, it might be helpful for the student in question to know that she can apply for assistance under the Student Assistance Fund. This Fund at some €5m continues to be made available through the access offices of third-level institutions to assist students in exceptional financial need. The access offices themselves will also provide support and advice to students to help them to continue with their studies.

However, it might be helpful for the student in question to know that she can apply for assistance under the Student Assistance Fund. This Fund at some €5m continues to be made available through the access offices of third-level institutions to assist students in exceptional financial need. The access offices themselves will also provide support and advice to students to help them to continue with their studies.