John Halligan (Waterford, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the consequences that come with raising the student contribution charge. [51673/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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As the Deputy will be aware the student contribution increased from €2,000 to €2,250 for the current academic year. The contribution is paid by the Exchequer in respect of students who qualify under my Department's student grant scheme.

The Government is aware of the financial pressures on families and, conscious of this, tax relief provisions have been put in place which provide for tax relief at the standard rate of tax for full-time fees in excess of €2,250. In addition, my Department, through the Higher Education Authority (HEA), requested institutions to put arrangements in place whereby students may pay the contribution in two instalments. I have been assured by the HEA that these arrangements are now in place.