Third-level students from disadvantaged backgrounds will receive a significant increase in their maintenance grants.
Speaking at the launch of a report by The Action Group on Access to Third Level Education, the Minister for Education and Science, Dr Woods confirmed that arrangements had been made to pay the increased grants backdated to October 2000.
He said that around 7,000 students will receive increased grants of £3,000 for the non-adjacent rate (those who travel more than 15 miles to college) and £1,200 for the adjacent rate.
Eligibility for these grants will be based on recommendations made by the Action Group.
The report also recommended that a national office should be set up to deal with funding initiatives including the Special Fund for Students with Disabilities and the Student Assistance Fund.
Dr Woods supported the group’s target that each third-level institution should set aside 15 per cent of full time undergraduate places for mature students.