Budget 2010, which was announced on 9 Dec 2009, introduces several changes to student support schemes.

• Student grants and scholarships will be reduced by 5%. This reduction will be implemented to all existing and new grant-holders from January 2010.
• Support under the Millennium Partnership Scheme is being withdrawn.
• People who are getting the Back to Education Allowance will not be eligible for student support grants. However, this does not affect any entitlement that they may have to exemption from college fees or student support charges.
• People on Post-Leaving Certificate courses who are getting VTOS allowances will also be ineligible for student support grants. Again, this does not affect any entitlement that they may have to exemption from college fees or student support charges.

For more information check out
http://www.citizensinformation.ie/categories/education/third-level-education/fees-and-supports-for-third-level-education/higher_education_grants_scheme