Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 12 Dec 1995

Vol. 459 No. 6

Written Answers. - Student Loans.

Helen Keogh

Question:

136 Ms Keogh asked the Minister for Education if she will consider introducing a scheme of loans at preferential rates for students in higher education, either through her Department or through a system of incentives to banks. [18815/95]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

The provision for student support in the 1995 Estimates for my Department comes to almost £100 million.

I must have regard,inter alia, to resource constraints in determining my priorities in this area. A system of student loans, which would have substantial expenditure implications, is not among my priorities at present.