USI: Gap between cost and support of students 'at breaking point'

Students could be forced to drop out of college if cuts to the student maintenance grant go ahead, according to the Union of Students of Ireland.

The union has responded to reports today that the Minister for Education, Ruairi Quinn, is considering introducing a blanket cut to the payment rather than introducing a system of means testing.

Mr Quinn has been told to slash his department's budget by €106m, meaning cuts to grants and a hike in college fees look more likely.

President of the USI, Joe O'Connor, said the gap between grants and costs cannot continue to widen.

Mr O'Connor said: "We have got a third-level system which, at this point, the a gap between the cost of college and student support is really at breaking point.

"The decision needs to be taken that it comes to the point where it needs to be prioritised and to be protected in order to ensure there is no further drop-off and impact on the vulnerable with regard to higher education in this country.

"I suppose ther message that we are sending out loud and clear is that any attempt to cut the maintenance grant further in the upcoming budget will be firmly opposed by the USI and our membership."