Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 12 Mar 1997

Vol. 476 No. 3

Written Answers. - College Fees.

Noel Ahern

Question:

117 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Education if she will examine the case of students doing a two year pharmaceutical technicians diploma in Coláiste Íde, Finglas, Dublin 11, who must attend Trinity College, Dublin 2, for five months of the course at a cost of £1,400; and if she will provide free fees for these students or make some other suitable arrangement with Trinity College in view of the fact that the charging of fees seems out of context with Government policy and is imposing hardship on these families. [7122/97]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

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 technican 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.

As the course does not meet the eligibility criteria for inclusion in the free fees initiative, the students in question cannot have their tuition fees paid.