Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 29 Apr 1999

Vol. 504 No. 1

Written Answers. - Third Level Fees.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

97 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will extend the fees exemption for third level courses taken at night; if not, if he will consider a means-tested exemption of fees where the payment of fees causes hardship (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11229/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

Courses approved under the free fees initiative are full-time undergraduate courses, other than ESF aided courses in the institutes of technology, which are followed in one of the approved colleges. The courses must, other than exceptionally, be of a minimum of two years duration. As the BA in community studies is not a full-time course it is not an approved course for the purposes of the free fees initiative.

Similarly, under the terms of the third level student support schemes, eligible students must be pursuing approved full-time third level courses.

In their 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, I would point out that tax relief is available at the standard rate, under section 475 of the Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997, for tuition fees paid by eligible students who are attending approved part-time third level courses. I understand that this course has been approved for tax relief.