16/12/09

Cork East Labour TD, Sean Sherlock has aired his concerns regarding the ongoing delays in processing grants experienced by third-level students.

"My constituency office has been inundated with third level students who are still awaiting their grants. Having struggled to make ends meet in their first semester they now face Christmas on an extremely tight budget."Furthermore, the new year poses more problems for students, as third level institutions seek second term fees in January. Many students are at a loss as to how to cope."Again and again I am meeting students who are asking for help, either in speeding up the processing of their grants or for some sort of respite from the demands."While it could be suggested that a moratorium on paying fees until such time as the grants are processed would help, the reality is different. These grants cover more than fees, and are needed for books, accommodation and a variety of student expenses."The Central Statistic Office has shown that despite the overall drop in the cost of living, the cost of attending third level institutions has actually risen in the past year. I am calling on the Government to do what they can to ensure that the processing of grants is expedited as soon as possible."

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