Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 23 Jun 1999

Vol. 506 No. 6

Written Answers. - Third Level Charges.

Gerry Reynolds

Question:

100 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will change the criteria of the third level institutions where they charge fees if a student decides to change a course without completing the original course or failing the course; and if he will allow free fees to students changing courses for reasons other than failure. [16074/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

Under the terms of the free fees initiative the Exchequer meets the tuition fees of eligible students who are attending approved full-time undergraduate courses – other than ESF aided courses in the institutes of technology – which must generally be of at least two years duration at approved colleges. Students who are repeating a year at the same level are generally not eligible for funding. However, these conditions may be waived in exceptional circumstances such as cases of certified serious illness.

Students who have previously pursued but not completed a course which has not attracted any Exchequer funding may be deemed eligible for free fees subject to compliance with the other conditions of the free fees initiative. Also, students who have pursued a course of third level study which has attracted Exchequer funding – fees, maintenance, tax relief, subsidy towards course cost – and who have not secured a terminal qualification and subsequently resume third level studies, may be eligible for free fees having completed, at their own expense, the equivalent period of time spent on the first course of study.

Any extension of the free fees initiative to provide free fees for repeat year students would have to be considered in the context of other competing demands and priorities in the third level sector. I have no immediate plans to provide free tuition fees in respect of such students.