Vol. 493 No. 2
194 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the 40 per cent increase in part-time tuition fees in the College of Music, Dublin Institute of Technology; and the steps, if any, he will take to alleviate the effect of these increases. [15525/98]
The fee increases in question were raised recently by my Department with the Dublin Institute of Technology as part of the normal discussions about the institute's programmes and budget. The institute explained that tuition fees for part-time music courses provided by the institute have remained relatively static and quite low over the past decade while the costs of providing high quality music education have continued to rise. The institute further explained that due consideration was given to the need to reach a balance between fees and costs, and to the implications of raising fees for part-time tuition. The institute also pointed out that the new rates seek to restore some balance but still remain significantly below those offered by comparable institutions. A scholarship scheme for talented students continues to operate, as does the institute's policy on fee waivers.
