I am very glad the Minister is continuing our Government's decision to increase the maintenance level and grants to third level students but is she absolutely sure that the university fee increase of 6 per cent this year is the final figure? If she is, how will the third level institutions be able to find the extra millions the cuts imposed on them in the budget on 31 March?

The question dealt with the level of grants now available and I answered it. I am meeting the HEA tomorrow and I am hopeful of a satisfactory outcome. Pending the outcome of that meeting, I cannot be more definite at this time. This matter was very seriously discussed and I am glad this Government have been able to continue the groundwork prepared by the previous Minister.

Am I correct in assuming the Minister knows today that the fee increase will be 6 per cent but that after tomorrow's meeting with the HEA it might be more?

No. We will discuss many items with the HEA tomorrow. I have set myself an agenda to meet many groups involved in education and I am determined that my term of office will be marked by open consultation and freedom of expression between all the bodies concerned in education. Tomorrow's meeting will be part of that ongoing process. Naturally any Minister would wish that grants could continue to be increased but, in the budgetary circumstances, I am reasonably satisfied that what we have allowed for is in line with the scheme prepared by the previous Minister.

May I take it that the fee increase will be 6 per cent and no more? Is that what the Minister is telling us?

I will repeat my answer. The income eligibility limits for, and maintenance element of, grants and scholorships——

That is not what I asked.

——will be increased in line with inflation — 3.4 per cent — and the lecture fee element of grants will be increased for the academic year 1987-88 in line with the increases in fees — 6 per cent — for that academic year.