The points Commission report published last week was welcomed by USI, but the union sounded a warning note: it must be implemented.

USI president Philip Madden said: "Too often in the past we have seen excellent reports that have not been implemented. For the Government not to implement this report would be an insult to the hard work that has gone into its preparation."

Top of USI's list is the creation of an expert group to review the current level and availability of grants for full-time students.

Ian Russell, USI's education officer, fears the Minister may ignore this. "He hasn't been too keen to get involved with a review like this before."

The Department points out that the Minister has "already asked his officials to draw up a strategy which will facilitate speedy consideration of the recommendations".