asked the Minister for Education if he will make a statement on the recent instruction to the colleges of education to increase student fees, and the percentage of students in such colleges currently in receipt of some form of grant assistance, with similar figures for 1979.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Student Fees.
25.
The fees for students in the colleges of education will be £390 in 1980-81 as compared with £300 in the current academic year. This fee covers not alone tuition but also board and accommodation.
In the present school year 1979-80 approximately 45 per cent of the students in the colleges are in receipt of grants. The percentage in the school year 1978-79 was also about 45 per cent.
Would the Minister not agree that the £90 increase is a harsh additional burden for students in these colleges to bear and that the need to bring students into these colleges especially from the less privileged sectors of our society to teach children who may be equally disadvantaged should indicate special treatment in relation to their fee structure?
The value for money obtained by the students in the training colleges is second to none not merely in this country but in Europe. Apart from the 45 per cent who are in enjoyment of third-level grants there is a loan scheme available to students, unlike those in other institutions, of which they may avail. There is no hardship or exclusion of anybody on grounds of means.
I wish the same would apply in universities. In view of the facilities available in teaching colleges, would the Minister consider extending the loan facilities and make some move in relation to accommodation to be provided by universities on campus for students attending universities?
The system there is a collegiate one as the Deputy knows. In one of the universities there are facilities for students living in but it has not been the tradition in other universities or colleges.
Would the Minister not agree that it would be a good initiative on his part to ask the universities to provide on campus residential accommodation for students who come from the country and find it very difficult and expensive to get accommodation in Dublin?
There is nothing in the question about accommodation. I allowed the Deputy a lot of latitude.
The Minister is avoiding the question.