I welcome the Minister's increase in grants, but has she any plans to explore other ways of financing third level students? We all accept the restraints on the Exchequer but would she consider something like a structured loan scheme for third level students which would operate in conjunction with the grant scheme? This has been successful in some countries and perhaps the Minister might acquaint herself with the reasons for its success and she might consider this as a possibility for the future.

While this is a separate question, it is an interesting one. When in Opposition I looked at the scheme of loans as operated in other countries. I was of the opinion then, and I have not changed it, that while the scheme of loans appeared attractive they would be difficult to maintain in the Irish scene. This is a subject the Department and I will look at from time to time but as of now, I do not propose to introduce a scheme of student loans.