Patrick Nulty (Dublin West, Labour)
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To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will confirm that the student assistance fund will not expire for the 2013/2014 academic year, and that it will continue in place; his views that there is an even greater need for the fund in the present economic circumstance in view of the acute increase in the numbers of students availing or attempting to avail of the fund recently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53573/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The objective of the Student Assistance Fund is to assist students, in a sensitive and compassionate manner, who might otherwise, due to their financial circumstances, be unable to continue their third level studies. The Fund is managed by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) on behalf of my Department and is funded under the National Development Plan, with assistance from the European Social Fund.

The budget for the Student Assistance Fund has increased from €5m in 2008/09, 2009/10 and 2010/11 academic years to €9m in 2011/12 while it stands at €8m for the current academic year.

My Department has asked the HEA for an up to date report on the demand for the scheme. I have no plans at present to discontinue the Fund.

Examinations are taking place across all areas of Government spending which will inform funding allocations for the coming years. In this context, I am sure the Deputies will appreciate that in line with normal practice I am unable to comment on the available funding allocation for next year during the budgetary deliberative process.