Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 139: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his plans, if any, to reduce college fees for students attending third level education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32785/11]

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 156: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views regarding a submission (details supplied) on the student contribution charge and maintenance grant; the actions he proposes to take to address the issues raised; if he has met with the representative bodies regarding such concerns; if so, the determination of such meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33116/11]

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 157: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views regarding a submission (details supplied) on the student contribution charge and maintenance grant; the actions he proposes to address the matters highlighted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33117/11]

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 175: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views on a matter (details supplied); if he has met with any of the representative groups in regard to this matter; if so, the results of such meetings and the proposals reached or agreed to meet with the concerns expressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33380/11]

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 179: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views on a submission (details supplied) regarding student contribution charge and maintenance grant; the actions he will take to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33404/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 139, 156, 157, 175 and 179 together.

As the Deputies will be aware, the reality of our economic situation presents significant challenges that have to be reconciled with limitations on public resources. Ireland must adhere to its agreed economic recovery programme in order to reduce the budget deficit to 3% of GDP by 2015 and to restore our independence. This will mean that forthcoming budgets will involve further adjustments in taxation and public spending. Regrettably, education cannot be spared from this adjustment as the size of the challenge is so large. This is the unfortunate legacy caused by the reckless economic management of the previous Fianna Fáil - Green Party Government.

I am very conscious of the fundamental role played by the free fees and student grant schemes in supporting families who are putting their children through further and higher education and I understand their concerns at the measures announced in Budget 2011 by the previous Government.

I will take account of those concerns in considering any future changes to the schemes as part of the budgetary process for 2012 and beyond, having regard to the position of the public finances.

A study on the sustainability of overall higher education funding arrangements is currently being undertaken by the Higher Education Authority. I expect that their final report will be available to me very shortly and will help inform the Government's decision-making in the context of finalising December's budget.

The Deputies will also be aware that my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, is undertaking a Comprehensive Expenditure Review across all areas of Government spending. This process will inform funding allocations for the coming years. In this context, the Deputies will appreciate that in line with normal budgetary protocol I am unable to comment on specific savings options that are under consideration as part of budgetary deliberations.