Quinn says he will protect education from cuts 'as best he can'

The Minister for Education, Ruairi Quinn, said he will protect "as best he can" frontline services in schools and colleges from Budget cuts.

Quinn said the level of savings required from his Department under the €3.1bn adjustment target has yet to be decided.

"We've started the budgetary process, but we're waiting on September figures to give us a final indication [on] what savings we have to find," he said.

"I want to protect as best I can the delivery of front-line services in the world of education."

His comments come as the Union of Students in Ireland launches its pre-Budget campaign - calling for the maintenance grant to be protected.