Robert Troy
Ceist:578. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to commence a reduction in the third level contributions. [34561/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 24 July 2018
Ceisteanna (578)
Freagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, under my Department’s free fees schemes, the Exchequer provides funding toward the tuition fee costs of eligible students with students paying the student contribution which currently stands at €3,000.
There has been no increase in the Student Contribution since 2015 and that the exchequer pays this contribution (or part of it) on behalf of almost 50% of undergraduate students who are in receipt of student grant assistance.
It is important to note the wider funding challenges that we are facing in relation to higher education. My Department recently agreed to undertake the economic evaluation of the policy options presented in the Cassells report, as requested by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Skills.
I have also commenced the process of reinvesting in higher education. Since publication of the Cassells Report I have prioritised additional investment in higher education in Budget 2017 and Budget 2018. As a result, my Department is investing €100m more in higher education in 2018 compared to 2016. I will look to build on this investment in budget 2019 and beyond.