Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 9 Oct 2002

Vol. 554 No. 5

Written Answers. - Third Level Fees.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

671 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the cost to his Department of funding the free fees scheme for third level colleges; if he will compare this cost to that for each year since the scheme was introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16766/02]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. N. Dempsey):

The following tabular statement sets out the information requested by the Deputy.

Year	Amount
1996	€ 80.3 million
1997	€120.7 million
1998	€137.9 million
1999	€175.3 million
2000	€200.7 million
2001	€220.0 million
2002 (Estimated)	€239.5 million

I am at present conducting a review of student support provisions aimed at ensuring that the benefits of the substantial investment being made are maximised in the context of the Government's objectives for achieving greater access to third level education among lower socio-economic groups.