asked the Minister for Education (a) if third level fees have gone up by at least 100 per cent in all sectors in the past two years; (b) if European social fund grants have been cut back by up to 60 per cent; (c) if academic criteria for grant eligibility has been raised; (d) if the maximum grant available to the few who are eligible and living within 15 miles of third level college is £400 per year; (e) if the increasing cost of third level education is up to £2,500 per annum as according to some surveys and (f) the action she proposes to ease the financial burden on third level students.
Written Answers. - Third Level Education Fees.
583.
I do not accept that there has been an increase of 100 per cent in third level education fees in all sectors in the last two years or that the grants from the EEC Social Fund have been reduced by 60 per cent.
There has been no alteration in 1982 or 1983 in the academic conditions prescribed for the purpose of eligibility for the award of grants under schemes formulated in accordance with the Local Authorities (Higher Education Grants) Act, 1968.
The maximum annual value of the maintenance element of the grant payable in respect of students whose normal family residence is in or adjacent to a university town is £400 at present.
I am not aware of what surveys are referred to in part (e) of the question.
The rates of the higher education grants are reviewed annually in connection with the issue of the relevant circular to local authorities. I am not in a position to anticipate the result of such review in connection with the schemes to be formulated for 1984.