Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 182: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33422/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter for a student's grant awarding body. Where a grant awarding authority turns down an application and subsequently rejects an appeal, the applicant may appeal this decision to my Department or to the Student Grants Appeal Board, as appropriate.

No appeal has been received in my Department from the student to date. I am not, therefore, in a position to say why her grant awarding authority does not consider her to be eligible for a grant under the terms and conditions of the student grant scheme. A review of the case will be carried out should an appeal be received.

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 183: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views on a matter (details supplied); the actions proposed to address this issue; if he has met with any of the representative groups in regard to the issue of concern; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33482/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the reality of our economic situation presents significant challenges that have to be reconciled with limitations on public resources. This is a very stark reality, which, unfortunately, means that changes to any public service, including the student grant scheme, cannot be ruled out.

I empathise with students and I am very conscious of the fundamental role played by the student grant scheme in supporting families who are putting their children through further and higher education. However, the state of the public finances is such that tough decisions have to be made to control public expenditure and to ensure sustainability in the long run. For this reason it is the responsibility of Government to take into consideration all areas of public services when formulating Budget 2012. Ultimately, our budgetary decisions now will play a major part in creating a sustainable economy and in regaining our economic independence. I will take the concerns of students into consideration during the budgetary process in this context. I have met with and expressed my views to the USI in this regard.