Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for taking time to come to the House. He has a busy schedule as the budget approaches; therefore, I appreciate the effort he has made to come to the House to respond directly to the issue I raise.

Councillor Michael O'Brien of Westmeath County Council has made an excellent proposal that a free travel scheme be introduced for third level students attending college. While the scheme would cost money, it would ease the financial hardship faced by many students. Councillor O'Brien's colleague, Deputy Kevin Boxer Moran, has been advocating in the other House for the introduction of such a scheme. The proposal merits consideration and deserves our support.

The rationale for introducing a free travel scheme for third level students is that the costs associated with third level education have been increasing, especially this year, as a result of rising rents and a shortage of student accommodation, both in the capital and nationwide. Dublin Institute of Technology, DIT, produced a cost of living guide for students which estimated that travel costs per month in the 2015-16 academic year amounted to €135 per third level student. The increase of 13% on the figure for the previous year means that annual travel costs have reached approximately €1,215 per student. If this cost could be offset by support from the Department of Social Protection or the Department of Education and Skills feeding into the Minister's budget, it would alleviate much of the hardship being experienced by third level students.

As the DIT guide notes, students can be divided into two groups, namely, those who live at home and those who live in rented accommodation. According to the guide, the financial breakdown for both classes of students was identical and they experienced the same monthly travel costs of €135. Students who travel to college from home probably face higher travel costs, although they do not incur rental costs. Overall, however, the subsidy would have the same impact on both sets of students.

I am aware that budget day is approaching. The Union of Students in Ireland argues that the increased costs of third level education are leading to elevated fears among students that they may have to leave third level education. As Councillor O'Brien has pointed out, a USI survey shows that 87% of third level students are living in fear of having to leave third level education as a result of the increased costs they face. While I acknowledge that the Minister does not have responsibility for third level education, he is responsible for the excellent free travel scheme which is available to the elderly population. Will the Department or the Department of Education and Skills examine the case for reducing the costs of travel for third level students? The Leap card is capped at €30 per month in the city but that card is only one element of the equation. For example, a student coming from Westmeath, Donegal or Kerry must provide for travel on a weekly basis to the city, after which he or she must also pay for the Leap card. The card is not the solution in itself. The Minister's consideration would be greatly appreciated.