Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 87: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will acknowledge the fundamental role played by the student grant schemes in supporting families; if he will refrain from increasing fees or reducing grants in budget 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36749/11]

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 provision, including the student grant scheme, cannot be ruled out.

I empathise with students and I am very conscious of the 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 service provision 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 and I will try to protect, to the greatest extent possible, the most disadvantaged students in further and higher education.