Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 88: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding postgraduate cuts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35342/11]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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Question 89: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will confirm that financial support for post-graduate students will continue to be available for students commencing courses in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35347/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 88 and 89 together.

The Deputies will appreciate that the preparation of the Estimates for any Budget is carried out on a strictly confidential basis. Therefore, I am unable comment on issue to which they refer.

However, in the context of the current economic circumstances, difficult choices will have to be made by Government to control public expenditure and to ensure sustainability in the long run. Changes to the student grant scheme cannot be ruled out on this basis.

Despite the need for major fiscal rectitude, I will try to protect, to the greatest extent possible, the most disadvantaged students in further and higher education.