Contribution fees for third-level students are set to rise by 250 euros next year to 2,500 euros, it has been announced.

Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn has confirmed the price rise, with fee contributions due to reach €3,000 by 2015, the Irish Times reports.

Speaking at the Oireachtas Education Committee, Mr Quinn explained that from 2013, parents and students will be expected to pay an additional €250 annually for the next three years.

He described how this will help to generate an additional €18 million for the Exchequer in the first year alone.

Mr Quinn's desire to boost contributions was outlined in a speech that also revealed the Minister is seeking to make cuts of €77 million to the Department of Education and Skills. 

Commenting on the budget cuts, Mr Quinn said he has "no choice... but to maintain the reduced capitation grants announced for primary and post-primary schools and pay and non-pay funding for higher education institutions".

Written by Donal Walsh

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