Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 May 2016
83. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Education and Skills to provide a commitment not to increase the student contribution fee; if he will reduce this fee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11043/16]
View answerWhile the student contribution now stands at €3,000, it is important to recognise that the State pays this contribution on behalf of almost 50% of undergraduate students. Tax relief provisions are also available so that second and subsequent siblings do not have to bear the full cost. In addition, higher education institutions have provisions in place to allow students to pay the contribution in two moieties.
The sector has expanded considerably in recent years, both in terms of meeting increased demand from school leavers and also in providing opportunities for people to upskill and reskill under programmes like Springboard. The number of students (full-time equivalents) attending higher education has grown from 163,000 in 2008/09 to 192,000 in 2014/15. Demand for higher education is projected to continue to grow over the next decade as a result of demographics placing further pressures on the system.
In light of this, the previous Government established an Expert Group to examine future funding requirements for higher education and to present options for developing a sustainable long term funding strategy for the sector. This Group has completed its work and its report will shortly be considered.
The Report of the Expert Group will allow for a real and meaningful discussion on the funding requirements of the sector and how those requirements should be met. The engagement with the cross-party Oireachtas Committee will ensure that all views can be heard and considered on the most appropriate way forward for the Irish higher education system.
