asked the Minister for Education if he is aware of the concern of parents at the proposed level of increases in student fees at the NIHE, Limerick and the declared inability of some students to meet these fees; if he will review the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - NIHE Limerick Fees.
65.
Under the terms of the NIHE, Limerick Act, 1980, student fees are determined by the governing body of the institute subject to the approval of the Minister for Education. I understand that no decision has yet been made by the governing body in regard to the level of the fees in the institute for the 1986-87 academic year.
The recurrent grant provided by my Department in 1986 for third level educational institutions funded through the Higher Education Authority took account of a general increase in tuition fees of 10 per cent to be effective from the commencement of the 1986-87 academic year. The National Institute for Higher Education, Limerick, is one of the institutions concerned.
It should be borne in mind that grants under the higher education grants scheme cover payment of fees as well as maintenance. It will also be appreciated that the maintenance element of the grants was increased by 10 per cent in real terms last year together with an increase of 5 per cent in real terms in the income limits for eligibility for grants. It was also provided last year that the maintenance element of the grants and the income limits for eligibility would be indexed to the rate of inflation for future years. In addition, a tapering of income eligibility limits was introduced which provided for the payment of part of fees where otherwise the full fee would be payable.
A further potential relief for those paying tax is the proposed change in tax legislation announced by the Minister for Finance in his recent budget speech, whereby parents can covenant part of their income to children over 18 years instead of over 21 as heretofore, and thereby qualify for tax relief.