The Higher Education Authority has provisionally indicated a 6% increase in new entrants to third level education between the academic year 2008-2009 and 2009-2010. Information from the Central Applications Office also confirms that attendance in third level education is being maintained and has, in fact, increased. In 2008, the number of applications was 68,809 while the number in 2009 was 74,621. In addition there was a 7.7% increase from 17/1/2009 to 17/1/2010.
In relation to the introduction of a form of third-level student contribution, my officials prepared a technical report, at my request, on this issue. I have referred the technical report to the strategy group which is working on a national strategy for higher education. This report will input to the strategy group's broader deliberations on how any additional resource requirements for delivering on a new vision and related set of policy objectives for the sector can be met over the timeframe of the new strategy.
In relation to student grants, students who qualify for maintenance grants will continue to receive substantial grant funding, together with full support for payment of the student service charge. Those on particularly low incomes will also continue to receive a "top-up" in the special rate of maintenance grant. In addition, some €5 million will continue to be made available through the access offices of third-level institutions to assist students in exceptional financial need. The access offices themselves will also continue to provide support and advice to students to enable them to continue with their studies.