asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the enormous financial pressures on students in third level education; and if she proposes to increase the level of grants available.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Third Level Education Grants.
10.
I am very conscious of the financial difficulties for some students in third level education and especially for students from lower income families. To assist them in pursuing courses of third level education there are a number of schemes operated by my Department under which grants and scholarships are made available. Despite enormous pressures on Exchequer resources, I am pleased to be in a position to inform the Deputy that the financial provisions of the higher education grants scheme and related student aid schemes will be improved in 1987 as follows: (i) the income eligibility limits for, and maintenance element of, grants and scholarships will be increased in line with inflation — 3 per cent — and (ii) the lecture fee element of grants will be increased for the academic year 1987-88 in line with the increases in fees — 6 per cent — for that academic year.
I welcome the Minister's increase in grants, but has she any plans to explore other ways of financing third level students? We all accept the restraints on the Exchequer but would she consider something like a structured loan scheme for third level students which would operate in conjunction with the grant scheme? This has been successful in some countries and perhaps the Minister might acquaint herself with the reasons for its success and she might consider this as a possibility for the future.
While this is a separate question, it is an interesting one. When in Opposition I looked at the scheme of loans as operated in other countries. I was of the opinion then, and I have not changed it, that while the scheme of loans appeared attractive they would be difficult to maintain in the Irish scene. This is a subject the Department and I will look at from time to time but as of now, I do not propose to introduce a scheme of student loans.
I am very glad the Minister is continuing our Government's decision to increase the maintenance level and grants to third level students but is she absolutely sure that the university fee increase of 6 per cent this year is the final figure? If she is, how will the third level institutions be able to find the extra millions the cuts imposed on them in the budget on 31 March?
The question dealt with the level of grants now available and I answered it. I am meeting the HEA tomorrow and I am hopeful of a satisfactory outcome. Pending the outcome of that meeting, I cannot be more definite at this time. This matter was very seriously discussed and I am glad this Government have been able to continue the groundwork prepared by the previous Minister.
Am I correct in assuming the Minister knows today that the fee increase will be 6 per cent but that after tomorrow's meeting with the HEA it might be more?
No. We will discuss many items with the HEA tomorrow. I have set myself an agenda to meet many groups involved in education and I am determined that my term of office will be marked by open consultation and freedom of expression between all the bodies concerned in education. Tomorrow's meeting will be part of that ongoing process. Naturally any Minister would wish that grants could continue to be increased but, in the budgetary circumstances, I am reasonably satisfied that what we have allowed for is in line with the scheme prepared by the previous Minister.
May I take it that the fee increase will be 6 per cent and no more? Is that what the Minister is telling us?
I will repeat my answer. The income eligibility limits for, and maintenance element of, grants and scholorships——
That is not what I asked.
——will be increased in line with inflation — 3.4 per cent — and the lecture fee element of grants will be increased for the academic year 1987-88 in line with the increases in fees — 6 per cent — for that academic year.