asked the Minister for Education if he has sanctioned increased fees for vocational education.
Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers. - Vocational Education Fees.
32.
Mr. R. Burke
Tuition fees are decided by the vocational education committees and my function is one of sanction only. There is no charge for second level education in vocational schools.
Sanction is given from time to time for reasonable fee increases in respect of adult and third level courses.
Is the Minister satisfied that the increased fees now being sought are reasonable?
Mr. R. Burke
It is not really for me to express an opinion as to the reasonableness of these increases.
Surely that is the Minister's function. If the increases are not reasonable the Minister withholds his sanction. Is that not the case?
Mr. R. Burke
The Deputy, perhaps, has a point in that the price increases in this regard are too infrequent. Perhaps we may see in the future more frequent rises so as to minimise the amount of the increase in respect of any particular year or period of years.