asked the Minister for Education, having regard to the fact that the administration of the higher education grant scheme is costing local authorities a substantial sum to operate, if she will consider reimbursing local authorities for the work being done by them on behalf of her Department.
Written Answers. - Higher Education Grant Scheme.
92.
Since the introduction of the higher education grants scheme in 1968 recoupment in respect of the local authorities' expenditure in a particular financial year is paid by my Department in the following financial year. There was no undue delay in the payment early this year of recoupment to county councils in respect of their expenditure in 1988. In accordance with the provisions of the Local Authorities (Higher Education Grants) Act, 1968, recoupment is payable only in respect of the cost of the grants awarded and paid by an authority and, accordingly, the amount in respect of administration and other charges cannot be included in the recoupment.