asked the Minister for Education the number of students from the Republic attending third-level educational establishments in Northern Ireland who are in receipt of State or local authority grants; and the current total level of these grants.

The number of such students in the academic year 1975-76 was 31 and the total value of their grants was £14,063. Figures for the current academic year are not yet available in my Department as the lists of grant-holders have not been received from all the local authorities

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware of the concern felt by parents of students attending those universities following the announcement that fees were being increased and that students from here would not be getting the concessions they enjoyed previously? Has the Parliamentary Secretary any proposals to increase grants to those students so that they can continue their education?

The matter referred to by the Deputy was raised here before. The question which the Deputy has addressed to the Minister on this occasion is purely a statistical one.