asked the Minister for Education if grants for third level education will be increased in view of increased fees in the coming academic year.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Third Level Education Grants.
17.
Grants under the higher education grants and related schemes will be increased in the academic year 1986-87 in line with the increase in fees in that academic year.
Can I ask the Minister what the actual increase will be? Will it be in line with inflation?
The increase will be at least in line with inflation. In the case of higher education grant schemes, when an increase in fees occurs the lecture fee element is increased accordingly. In so far as 1986-87 is concerned, one would have to wait to see what the increase in the lecture fee element will be, if it is not announced already. I do not have it here. The grants will be increased in accordance with the increase in lecture fees.
Newspaper reports indicate that the increase could be as high as 10 per cent. Will the Department increase the higher education grants by 10 per cent?
Yes.
May I ask the Minister a further question?
No, it is now 3.30 p.m.
As it is obvious that my question will not be reached I should like, with the permission of the Chair, to raise on the Adjournment the subject matter of Question No. 18.
The Chair will communicate with the Deputy. I must move now to questions nominated for priority. Question No. 35.