asked the Minister for Education the deficit in the accounts of UCD in 1969-70 and 1970-71; and the present position.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - UCD Accounts.
32.
The accounts of University College, Dublin, for the year 1969-70 show a deficit of £136,336. The accounts for 1970-71 have not yet been presented.
Could the Minister say whether he has received any estimate of the likely deficit for the year 1970-71?
I have no information on that point.
Is the Minister not aware of the problems arising in the college because its expenditure in the current year is likely to increase by £650,000 whereas the Government grant is only increasing by half of that amount? Should the Minister not know that?
I have not got any official information on the situation in regard to the deficit.
The Minister may not have got official information but surely he has been reading the newspapers and has seen a statement by Professor Hogan in which it is stated that UCD is barely "ticking over" at the present time because of lack of Government finance. Does the Minister not think that further funds should be made available as a matter of urgency?
I am aware of statements made. Taxpayers are making large contributions towards costs of university education in this country. I have pointed out in reply to Parliamentary Questions that I am studying all aspects of this matter. I do not propose to make a statement until I have studied all the information supplied to me.
Is the Minister aware that the UCD authorities because of their deficit for 1970-71 are proposing to increase their fees by 25 per cent over two years?
I replied to questions on that particular topic at the end of June when I stated that this is a matter which cannot be considered in isolation and that I am examining the whole situation. I do not propose to make a statement until the examination of the position has been completed.