Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 19 Apr 2000

Vol. 518 No. 4

Written Answers. - Student Support Schemes.

Richard Bruton

Question:

44 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on whether he has a key responsibility in assisting the development of affordable accommodation and affordable child care facilities within third level education institutions in order to promote a policy of fair access. [7668/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods):

As the Deputy will be aware, section 50 of the Finance Act, 1999, was introduced specifically to relieve some of the supply pressure for student accommodation by providing a scheme of tax relief for the provision of rented residential accommodation in the third level sector.

Given that the legislation and regulations are in place a relatively short time, I am satisfied with the progress to date. As relief will be available under the legislation for expenditure up to 31 March 2003, the opportunity exists to create significant additional accommodation for third level students and therefore I do not propose to intervene further at this stage.

The question of providing child care facilities in third level colleges is primarily a matter for the individual third level colleges. The higher education equality unit published a report "Who cares in the Campus?" on child care provision in higher education institutions in Ireland in November 1999. The report found that of the 40 institutions that responded to the 1998 All-Ireland survey, 30% provided child care support of some kind. It identifies the different levels of provision currently being made and highlights a number of issues for consideration by the colleges.

The Deputy will be aware of the Government's plan to invest over £250 million within the national development plan on the development of a national child care infrastructure.

In relation to steps being taken by my Department, I would point out to the Deputy that my Department's guidelines on the ESF-Aided Student Assistance-Access Fund for Third Level Institutions refers to the possibility of assisting students with family responsibilities, particularly in relation to child care costs, who face significant financial difficulties. As the Deputy may be aware, this fund amounted to £1.296 million in 1999 which represented a significant increase on previous provisions.