Deputy John Paul O’Shea said there is a need to examine enhanced leave provisions for parents of twins, triplets and higher-order multiple births, as well as families adopting multiple children together.

Cork North West TD, John Paul O’Shea, said the decision was a 'practical and common-sense move'.

John Paul O’Shea said the substantial increase in the thresholds for grants means more students will now be eligible for grant support.