asked the Minister for Education whether the method by which her Department funds local authorities in respect of higher education grants contributes to the cash flow difficulties are being experienced by those local authorities; and if she has given any consideration to altering the method of payment.
Written Answers. - Higher Education Grants.
143.
Since the introduction of the higher education grants scheme in 1968, payments have been made to the local authorities on the basis of recouping them as early as possible in the following year for the previous financial year's expenditure on higher education grants.
To move to a current year basis of recoupment would require a 100 per cent increase in the first year in the provision for higher education grants. In view of existing resource constraints I am not at present in a position to fund such an increase.