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

It is a very interesting debate, but it is amazing that such a lengthy debate can be built on €50, and all of these issues are arising from an increase of €50 in the one year. I know that Deputy Donnelly has a distinguished background in consulting but I was reasonably good at mental arithmetic when I was in primary school. It is €50 the first year, another €50 is added the second year, making it €100 and an additional €50 in the third year brings the figure €150. The Department of Education and Skills had indicated that the additional imposition on any family for a student is €300 over the three years. I do not know where the Deputy is getting the figure of €700.