Higher education spending and student places
The Minister referred the Deputy to earlier replies on current-spending estimates and said student places were expected to increase by 2,000 in 1980–81 over 1979–80.
asked the Minister for Education (i) the estimated increase for higher education current spending in percentage terms for this year; if this is less than the expected inflation rate and the methods by which these cutbacks are to be achieved; and (ii) the estimated expansion in third level places this year.
Comment on this
I would refer the Deputy to my replies to similar questions on 29 January, 1981 — Questions Nos. 60 and 63. Current expenditure in relation to higher education is provided for in various subheads in Votes 30, 31, 33 and 34.
The estimated increase in student places in 1980-81 over 1979-80 is 2,000.
Questions Nos. 6 and 7 postponed.