Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 29 May 1996

Vol. 466 No. 2

Written Answers. - Code of Standards.

Seamus Brennan

Question:

109 Mr. S. Brennan asked the Minister for Education the reason for the delay in issuing codes of standards in respect of private third-level colleges; if her attention has been drawn to the discrimination of students at these colleges who will not be eligible for tax relief on fees until the 1998-99 academic year in view of the delay in issuing the code of standards and the longer delay in the date of the implementation of the proposed code; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11258/96]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

I have published the codes of standards for the approval of colleges and courses. There will be no delay in the implementation of the codes. They take effect in the 1996-97 academic year. Tax relief is available in the 1996-97 tax year in respect of colleges and courses which satisfy the codes.

There is a requirement in the code of standards for the approval of colleges which will not take effect until the 1998-99 academic year. This will require colleges to offer a minimum number of courses validated by the National Council for Education Awards, NCEA. The requirement is that there or one third, whichever is the lesser, of their full-time undergraduate courses will have to be validated by the NCEA. A transition period of two years is being allowed to enable colleges to meet this requirement. Colleges do not have to meet this requirement to secure approval for tax relief purposes in the 1996-97 and 1997-98 academic years.

The listing of approved colleges and courses is now being drawn up.