Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Donnelly was the first to talk about the financial pressure on higher education institutions and universities. The purpose of the decision by the Minister for Education and Skills was to provide extra funds to the third level sector because the student contribution is paid on registration to the institution that the student will attend. It would be an unnecessary circular movement if I was to grant relief and recover 20% of it again for the Exchequer.

With regard to all of the queries about whether I had carried out a cost benefit analysis on how many people will not go to college due to the measure, I am talking about €50. The standard rate of tax on an increase of €250 is one-fifth which amounts to €50. Do members think that people will stay out of college because I do not give them a tax break which amounts to €50? I am maintaining the tax break for second and subsequent children anyway.