I propose to take Questions Nos. 201, 216, 219, 227 and 228 together.
I regret that the economic circumstances of the country are such that I am not in a position to reverse any of the changes to the student grant measures announced in Budget 2011 by the previous Fianna Fáil-Green Party Government. These changes included the removal of the automatic entitlement of mature students to the non-adjacent rate of grant and an increase in the qualifying distance criterion for the non-adjacent rate of grant. It is estimated that some 30% of the student grant cohort or some 21,600, are mature students and all of these would currently be in receipt of the non-adjacent rate of grant. From next September, mature students who reside 45 kilometres or more from their higher education institution will continue to be eligible for the higher rate of grant. Those on particularly low incomes will also continue to receive a "top-up" in the special rate of grant. In addition, third level students in difficult financial circumstances will have access to the Student Assistance Fund. I understand the concerns of students with regard to the changes to the student grant schemes for the 2011/12 academic year 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.