asked the Minister for Education the plans, if any, for an increase in university fees in the year 1980-81.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - University Fees.
22.
As the Deputy is aware, our system of annual budgeting precludes the possibility of any such plans being made.
Does that mean that there will be no repetition of the mean trick that was played this year on the new entrants in 1979 who are going to have to pay 25 per cent extra compared with the 10 per cent extra being charged for existing students? Will there be any repetition of this mean staggering of the increase?
The question has been answered. As the Deputy is well aware, the system is that we budget from year to year.
Is the Minister saying in effect that he is not giving any undertaking that there will not be an increase next year?
The Minister is answering the question as it was put to him and saying that, as the Deputy well knows, we have a system of annual budgeting and that is the answer to his question.
Have the Government abandoned any form of long-term planning beyond one year ahead?
The Leader of the Opposition is now talking about long-term planning but even when he was in office he budgeted year by year for his Department, as he knows very well.
Does the Minister intend to implement the suggestion in the Green Paper—I think it was—that there might be a doubling of university fees under this administration?
I have answered the question as asked by Deputy Horgan. I am stating that budgeting is on an annual basis and it will continue to be so until this House decides otherwise.
Could the Minister kindly tell me what is the point in producing White Papers then?