Vol. 482 No. 3
409 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department will consider a proposal from students affected by the sudden closure of Advanced Technology College, Dublin for a tax allowance to counteract the personal losses of between £2,000 and £3,000 in fees suffered by students through no fault of their own or to offer a similar credit to encourage the pursuit of a course at another college. [18068/97]
I understand that the majority of students affected by the closure of Advanced Technology College have been facilitated to continue their studies on courses offered by Griffith College, Dublin.
The question of tax allowances is a matter for the Minister for Finance. I would point out that tax relief is available at the standard rate, on fees paid to private colleges in accordance with the provisions contained in section 6 of the Finance Act, 1995 and section 15 of the Finance Act, 1996. Under these provisions students can avail of tax relief at the standard rate on tuition fees paid in respect of full-time and part-time undergraduate courses of at least two years duration in such colleges, provided that both the college and the course satisfy Codes of Standards and are approved by the Minister for Education. The courses offered by the Advanced Technology College were not approved under the relevant tax relief provisions.
I also advise the Deputy that my Department is currently examining the various options available with a view to introducing legislation at the earliest opportunity to protect students and their parents against the collapse of private colleges.
