Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Sam Boal/Photocall Ireland
Cuts

Ruairi Quinn considers cutting grants; students say ‘don’t even think about it’

The Union of Students in Ireland say they are “ready and equipped” to fight any attempt to cut student grants.

Updated 8.04pm

THE UNION OF Students in Ireland say they will fight any attempt to cut third-level grants following reports it is being considered as an option in October’s Budget.

USI said students are “ready and equipped” to stop the Department of Education from decreasing the maintenance grant –  which is paid to almost 90,000 students – saying that it would push many families to breaking point.

Reports in the Sunday Independent and Sunday Business Post today say Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn is considering a blanket cut to the payment as part of a range of measures to save €44 million in his department. Quinn had previously proposed to means-test the assets of students’ parents – including property and shares worth more than €750,000 – but the plan was met with opposition from coalition partners Fine Gael.

“Let there be no doubt that our members will organise and firmly oppose any attempt to further cut the maintenance grant,” said USI President Joe O’Connor.

The Government and Minister Quinn must be aware that students will not take this lying down, and will take their opposition to the streets, to constituency offices and to the ballot box.

O’Connor highlighted a recent survey by the Irish League of Credit Unions which found that parents spend an average of €421 every month on their college-going children and that the vast majority find it difficult to meet the cost.

“Any further cut to the grant will push these struggling families over the edge,” he said.

The maintenance grant varies from €306 to €3,025, depending on the distance between where the student lives and the location of the third level institution they attend.

Members of the Union of Students in Ireland outside Leinster House during the week to call on Ruairi Quinn to protect the grant (Pic: Niall Carson/PA Wire)

Originally published at 1.30pm

Read: Coalition sees disagreements over student grants >

Read: Over 2,200 students still without grants as college year draws to a close >

Read: Students can complain to the Ombudsman over grant problems >

Your Voice
Readers Comments
159
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.