Question:
354 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24 was disqualified from receiving free tuition fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17576/97]
Written Answers. - Third Level Fees.
Under the free fees initiative, tuition fees are payable in respect of eligible students, who are attending full-time undergraduate courses, which must generally be of at least two years' duration, at approved third level institutions.
Repeat students and students who are pursuing a second period of undergraduate study at the same level do not, in general, come within the definition of an eligible student. This condition may be waived in exceptional circumstances, such as cases of certified serious illness.
I understand that the student in question had already commenced a science degree course in the National University of Ireland Dublin which he withdrew from during the second year of the course. Accordingly, the student in question would generally not be eligible for free tuition fees in respect of the first two years of his new course at Trinity College Dublin.
In view of the circumstances involved, I have however asked my Department to obtain further details of this case.