Noel Dempsey
Question:154 Mr. Dempsey asked the Minister for Education the reason she has reversed her decision to allow free fees for the pharmaceutical technician course in Trinity College; and if she will reconsider this matter. [3992/97]
Written Answers. - Free Fees Scheme.
Eoin Ryan
Question:161 Mr. E. Ryan asked the Minister for Education the reason pharmaceutical students have been told by her Department that they do not qualify under the free fees scheme in their second year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3510/97]
Under the free fees initiative, tuition fees are payable in respect of students attending full-time undergraduate courses, at approved third level institutions, which are generally of at least two years' duration.
The first year of the pharmaceutical technician course is aided by the European Social Fund as a post leaving certificate course and is pursued in Coláiste Íde, Finglas, which is a second level college. The remainder of the course consists of six months practical work experience with the final six months taking place in Trinity College, Dublin.
Under the free fees initiative, the universities recoup tuition fees in respect of students attending courses which come within the eligibility criteria, from the Higher Education Authority. I understand that students on this course in 1995-96 were inadvertently included in the free fees initiative. When the question of this course's inclusion within the free fees initiative was brought to my Department's attention, my Department advised that the course did not meet the eligibility criteria for inclusion in the initiative.