I met representatives of the Union of Secondary Students recently and discussed the question of financial support from my Department for the union among other matters. I have informed the Union of Secondary Students that I am willing to consider requests from their organisation for financial assistance for specific projects, such as their annual general meeting or the hosting of conferences. I do not think it appropriate for my Department to contribute to the running of a representative body such as USS. My Department does not provide such funding for the Union of Students in Ireland, nor indeed for the teaching unions, but it does for parents.