asked the Minister for Education the total number of persons in Ireland in receipt of higher education grants.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Higher Education Grants.
33.
The total number of persons in Ireland in receipt of higher education grants is 3,562.
Would the Minister justify what he said a few moments ago about spending a large amount of money on university education in this country? Does the Minister think that 3,562 grants are a lot? There are over 20,000 students.
This figure refers only to grants.
Let us hear about the large contributions being made to university education.
I have already stated on many occasions that every student is costing approximately £400. This does not include the grants.
(Interruptions.)
What proportion of our people are receiving university education?
That is a different question altogether.
The Deputy is changing his feet fast.
Less than 20 per cent are getting grants.
If the Deputy considers that 3,562 is a small number he must remember that it is a considerable increase on the number of scholarships given in 1968, which was 270.
34.
asked the Minister for Education the maximum amount of money paid to the recipient of a full higher education grant.
35.
asked the Minister for Education in what year the scheme of grants for higher education was introduced; the percentage increase in fees for universities since the introduction of this scheme; if he is satisfied that the present grants are sufficient; and if he has any proposals for increasing higher education grants.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose taking Questions Nos. 34 and 35 together.
The scheme of grants for higher education was introduced in 1968. The maximum amount of money paid to a holder of a full higher education grant is £300 per annum in the case of a student whose normal family residence is not adjacent to a University College or other approved institution of higher education and £175 per annum in the case of a student whose normal family residence is adjacent to a University College or other approved institution of higher education.
Since the introduction of the scheme, university fees have increased by up to 25 per cent but the increase was limited to £10 in certain faculties.
Special financial provision was made to enable university fees of holders of higher education grants in the academic year 1970-71 to be kept at the level obtaining in 1969-70. I am satisfied that the present scale of grants is sufficient on that basis and I do not propose at present to make any further increase in these grants.
In 1968 when this scheme was introduced £300 was being paid. This is the contribution still being paid. Does the Minister not feel that this amount is insufficient in view of the cost of living at present? Does the Minister not agree that the whole situation should be reviewed urgently? The present amount of money paid is not sufficient for the people attending university.
My main concern is to see that those least able to provide for themselves are helped. As I said in my reply, special financial provision was made to enable the university fees of holders of higher education grants in the academic year 1970-71 to be kept at the level obtaining in 1969-70.
The cost of living for the students in Dublin has risen considerably. The cost of "digs" and transport has increased. The Minister will surely agree that the cost of "digs" has increased by 50 per cent over the past three years.
I am mainly concerned with those who are least able to help themselves.
Most of these grantholders attending university are in dire need.