Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Question 170: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding cuts in education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33276/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I regret that I am not in a position to reverse or vary any of the changes to the student grant scheme introduced by the last Government under Budget 2011 because the savings from these measures had been factored into the public expenditure programme for 2011 by that Government. However, while a qualifying student may receive a lower rate of grant for the 2011/12 academic year, he/she will not lose grant assistance. Students on particularly low incomes will also receive a top-up in the special rate of grant.

Students experiencing exceptional financial hardship can apply for assistance under the Student Assistance Fund. This fund continues to be made available through the access offices of third-level institutions. The access offices themselves will also provide support and advice to students to help them to continue with their studies.

I understand that the institute that the student is attending also operates a short-term loan facility through a Benevolent Fund to help students to overcome financial difficulties. The institute also advises students that are experiencing difficulty sourcing or managing finance to contact the Access Office or the Chaplain. This information may be helpful to the student concerned.