Dick Spring
Question:61 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposals, if any, he has for the introduction of free fees in private third level colleges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7536/98]
Written Answers. - Third Level Fees.
Under the free fees initiative, the State meets the tuition frees of eligible students who are attending full-time undergraduate courses, which must generally be of at least two years duration, at approved colleges. Over 37,000 students benefited under the initiative in 1996-97 at a cost to the Exchequer of some £77 million in 1997. Any extension of the initiative would have to be considered in the light of overall resource constraints. In this regard, I 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.
I would also draw the Deputy's attention to the legal proceedings which have been instituted in the case of Patrick Jordan Junior, Patrick Jordan Senior and Raymond Kearns v the Minister for Education and Science, Ireland and the Attorney General regarding the non-inclusion of Portobello College within the free fees initiative. As the matter will be before the courts, I do not consider it appropriate for me to make any further statement on the matter.