Vol. 561 No. 1
255 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Education and Science the annual cost to the Exchequer of the payment of tuition fees for third level students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3222/03]
My Department provided an amount of €239.6 million on tuition fees in 2002. Under the third level maintenance grants schemes, my Department provides maintenance grants to eligible students and, where appropriate, covers the cost of their tuition fees and charges in respect of registration, services and examinations. Total expenditure under the third level maintenance grants schemes in 2002 amounted to €120 million. A full breakdown as between the costs of maintenance, tuition fees and registration charges for 2002 is not yet available. However, in 2001, the cost incurred under the schemes for tuition fees alone was €10,332,153.
As the Deputy will be aware I am conducting a review of student support provisions aimed at ensuring the maximum benefits of this substantial investment being made are maximised in the context of the Government's objectives for achieving greater access to third level education among lower socio-economic groups. The free fees initiative is being considered in the context of this review.
The review is being carried out by officials of my Department and is drawing on appropriate external expertise in the form of relevant reports and international experience. In considering the findings of the review, my objective is to ensure that, within the resources available, we have the fairest possible student supports regime in place and that opportunity for access for all to third level education is optimised.
