I refer the Deputy to the following estimated number of students paying in excess of the student contribution charge since 2014. Numbers calculated are based on the total number of students enrolled in publicly funded institutions, minus the students eligible for free fees who would be paying the Student Contribution charge (or may have it paid for them by SUSI).
|
2013/14
|
2014/15
|
2015/16
|
2016/17
|
*Estimated Number of Students paying fees in excess of the Student Contribution
|
84,000
|
86,000
|
94,000
|
96,000
|
*The Deputy should be aware that these figures are estimated as some of these students may be in receipt of individual scholarships, bursaries or courses funded from other sources.
I would also advise the Deputy that my Department does not have details regarding the numbers of students in receipt of tax relief on courses. All details in respect of tax relief are a matter for the Revenue Commissioners and the Minister for Finance.