Cathal Berry (Kildare South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his response. It is good to see there is at least a few options on the table. I will give him two more options that might be worth considering. He mentioned, and is on record as having said, that he would like to reduce the student registration fee, which I would certainly welcome. There is a great deal of speculation - obviously, he cannot make any commitments this morning - on maybe reducing it by €250 per student on budget day, which I would certainly welcome. The more the merrier. Would the Minister be prepared to consider a larger pro ratareduction for graduate entry medicine students in light of the fact that their fees are so enormous?

I understand that the HEA, or the State through the HEA, provides a subvention to each of these universities and medical schools per student because I think the true cost per year is about €25,000. Would the Minister be willing to consider an increased contribution from the State, which would mean that the students would not have to pay as much towards their education?

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