Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 13 Feb 1996

Vol. 461 No. 4

Written Answers. - Meeting with Students Union.

Seán Haughey

Ceist:

142 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Education if she will meet the Union of Students in Ireland to discuss a number of issues of concern which are contained in their recent briefing submissions for Dáil Deputies including the USI student poverty survey launched in November 1995; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3009/96]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

As one of the important partners in education I will, of course, meet with the Union of Students in Ireland as soon as diary commitments permit. The proposals from the USI will be taken into consideration in the context of the ongoing review of the student support schemes. I am committed to improve the schemes of student support as resources become available.

Third level student support involves a significant expenditure commitment in the Estimates of my Department. In 1995 the provision for student support amounted to over £100 million. In 1994 and 1995 I increased the level of the maintenance grant in line with inflation. I have already indicated that the maintenance grant will increase by 5 per cent for the 1996-97 academic year.