Students in Northern Ireland have called on the reconvened assembly to abolish tuition fees from 2001 and to introduce a Pounds 2,000 non-repayable bursary for low-income students, lone parents and mature students.
In its response to the government review of student support in the province, the National Union of Students in Ireland has condemned student hardship as "a national disgrace".
It claims thousands of students are living below the poverty line of benefit entitlement. It wants to see students winning back their entitlement to income support and housing benefit, with social security support for students who have to withdraw temporarily from courses because of illness or caring responsibilities.
As power has transferred back from Westminster to Stormont, Sean Farren, the returning higher and further education minister, is keen to extend the consultation to allow input from the assembly's further and higher education committee.
But NUS-USI said it was disappointed by the lack of public debate and urged the committee to allow further consultation when the Department for Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment issues its recommendations later this summer.
Dr Farren has marked his return by unveiling a new support package for mature students and confirming a Pounds 5.5 million boost for further education. Making what he described as a "business as usual" announcement, Dr Farren said DHFETE had a crucial contribution to make in building a peaceful and prosperous Northern Ireland.
"Key to achieving this goal is the role of our further education colleges in widening access, raising skill standards and in creating their own centres of excellence," he said.
Dr Farren announced a Pounds 3.5 million strategic investment initiative to promote centres of excellence and reward college collaboration and the tailoring of courses to the needs of the local economy. Colleges can also bid for a share of a Pounds 1 million access fund, with another Pounds 1 million for recruiting adults in particular skills areas.