Vol. 417 No. 1
165 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education if his attention has been drawn to the substantial shortfall between the maximum level for university fees allowed under the higher education grant scheme and the actual fee being charged in relation to some courses; if he will outline the immediate remedial action he proposes to take; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
There is a provision at present in the higher education grants scheme whereby the maximum lecture fee grant level allowable under the scheme may be extended to the extent necessary to cover the total lecture fees payable in certain years of the degree courses in the medical, veterinary and dental faculties in the constituent colleges of the National University of Ireland and in Trinity College, Dublin.
I am aware that difficulties have arisen for grant holders in the case where the lecture fees for a number of other courses exceed the maximum lecture fee payable under the scheme, and I am having this matter examined in my Department.
