Ruth Coppinger
Question:268. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Education and Skills the cost to the State of abolishing the student contribution charge for third level education. [26904/16]
View answerTuesday, 27 September 2016
Questions (268)
Written answers
Based on the number of students that qualified for free fees funding in the academic year 2014/15 (and were therefore liable to pay the Student Contribution), and taking into account overall expected increases in student numbers, it is estimated that the net cost to my Department of abolishing the Student Contribution for the 2017/18 academic year would be €206.56 million.
The above figures take into account the resulting reduction to my Department's Student Grant Scheme budget.