Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 May 2011
205 Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider exempting students in receipt of the non-adjacent education grant living in rural areas without suitable public transport system and who were enrolled in full time third level education prior to the budget of 2011 from the new measures regarding grant allocation introduced in the budget. [11678/11]
View answerI understand that the changes to the student grant schemes introduced under Budget 2011 by the previous Fianna Fail — Green Party government were designed to manage additional cost pressures arising from a significant increase in the number of students qualifying for grants, a proportionate increase in the number of students qualifying for higher rates of grants and payment of the Student Service Charge on behalf of grant-holders.
I regret that given current economic circumstances I am not in a position to reverse any of the 2011 budgetary changes to the student grant schemes including that relating to the qualifying distance criteria for the non-adjacent rate of grant.
I understand the concerns of students with regard to the 2011 measures and I will take account of these in considering any future changes as part of the budgetary process for 2012 and beyond, having regard to the position of the public finances.
