Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 83: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will respond to correspondence regarding the student contribution charge and the maintenance grant from an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33771/11]

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. 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 sustainability study is currently being undertaken by the Higher Education Authority which will make recommendations to the Minister for Education and Skills shortly. I expect that the final report will be available in the next few weeks and will help inform the Government's decision-making as to the range of decisions that will be announced in December's Budget.

The Deputy 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 Deputy will appreciate that in line with normal practice I am unable to comment on future savings options during the budgetary deliberative process.