Trevor Sargent
Question:110 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Education the long-term strategy for student union funding in view of the uncertainty of the £150 capitation being subject to yearly reviews. [3941/96]
Written Answers. - Student Union Funding.
The question of student union funding is a matter for the student bodies and the college authorities.
In the context of the introduction of the free fees initiative a working group was established to make recommendations to me on the overall implementation of the initiative. The working group had regard to student concerns in recommending that: (a) colleges should not be permitted to demand from students more than the maximum amount of £150; (b) colleges should set out publicly for the student body how the £150 would be allocated and (c) the arrangements to be put in place should not adversely affect the funding of student unions, clubs and societies.
The maximum charge of £150 was recommended by the working group to apply to the 1995-96 and 1996-97 academic years. Any proposal for an increase in the charge in subsequent years would be subject to the approval of the Minister for Education.