Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Truthfully, I do not have the information here. If I do, I cannot come across it now but I will get it for the Deputy. He has made a fair point. I agree with his analysis that there are many students attending a whole variety of institutions that are not publicly funded but who may need assistance. This could be in terms of the cost-of-living crisis or in respect of other issues that can arise from time to time, in the context of the fund for students with disabilities, SUSI student grants and the like. I have clearly told the sector, and its representatives will confirm, that I believe the way forward is to have the conversation about being a designated institution. If we are to have any sort of relationship involving taxpayers' money, then it will be in the context where the new Higher Education Authority legislation now provides opportunities in this regard. The budget announcement delivered in this House last month by the Minister, Deputy Michael McGrath, and the Minister, Deputy Donohoe, provides a whole variety of ways of trying to help people. The reduction in student fees is just one of them. It is right and proper and somewhat understandable, though I am sure frustrating for some, that only institutions that are publicly funded, where a fee is set in this House, can be provided with a reduction in fees. We can only really provide a reduction in the context of fees imposed by the Government, as opposed to those set by private institutions.

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