Willie Penrose
Question:38 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposals, if any, he has for the abolition of fees for part-time third level students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7527/98]
Written Answers. - Third Level Fees.
Under the free fees initiative, the State meets the tuition fees of eligible students who are attending full-time undergraduate courses, which must generally be of at least two years duration, at approved colleges. Any proposal to extend the free fees initiative would have to have regard to overall resource constraints and other competing needs in the education sector.
In its report, the Steering Committee on the Future Development of Higher Education referred to the profile of part-time students and noted that almost 90 per cent were in employment. In this context, tax relief is available, at the standard rate under section 15 of the Finance Act, 1996, for tuition fees paid by eligible students who are attending approved part-time third level courses.