Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Minister indicated in her contribution that the funding of €25 million to the higher education institutions which was withheld in 2013 and 2014 will be restored.

She also indicated there will be no change to the student registration fee in September in respect of the 2015-2016 year, nor in any subsequent years. The increase in student contributions was the main means by which the Government increased income to the third level sector in the past four years. There are growing pressures on third level institutions from the demographics to maintain quality and meet their responsibilities to students. How does the Minister plan to fund the third level sector, considering the fact that she has drawn a line underneath increasing the student contribution charges? Is it correct that as the student contribution fee has increased, the extra funding derived from that increase has not been allocated to third level institutions? Does she have any plans to change that situation?

I note the Minister's proposals to change the way maintenance grants will be paid. It was mentioned to me on a number of occasions that the student registration fee must be paid upfront at the start of the academic year, yet the State does not pay it for students on a grant. That puts particular pressure on students and families who already find the cost of going to college very difficult. Would the Minister be in a position to engage with institutions to provide a staggered payment option in order that the registration fee, which has now risen to €3,000, could be spread over the course of the year?