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45. Deputy Dessie Ellis   asked the Minister for Education and Skills in view of the fact that student contribution fee increases beyond 2012 were not included in the comprehensive expenditure report 2012 to 2014, if he will confirm that there will be no further increases beyond that announced in budget 2012. [2959/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn): The reality of our economic situation presents significant challenges that have to be reconciled with limitations on public resources. Ireland must adhere to its agreed economic recovery programme in order to reduce the budget deficit to 3% of GDP by 2015 and to restore our independence. This will mean that forthcoming budgets will involve further adjustments in taxation and public spending. Regrettably, education cannot be spared from this adjustment as the size of the challenge is so large, in this context I cannot rule out further increases to the Student Contribution in future years.
It should be noted that the contribution is paid by the Exchequer in respect of students who qualify under the third level grant schemes. Tax relief is also available for second and subsequent siblings to alleviate costs for families.
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