Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 26 Jan 2000

Vol. 513 No. 1

Written Answers. - Third Level Charges.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

751 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will ensure that capitation charges levied by the third level institutions will have a ceiling imposed on them in order that they do not grow exponentially; and if he will further ensure that any future increases will be kept below the rate of inflation. [1527/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin):

The capitation charges referred to by Deputy Sargent refer to the standardised charge levied in the context of the free fees initiative in the 1995-96 academic year for examinations, registration and student services. When introduced, this charge was fixed at a maximum of £150 for two academic years. At that time, the then Minister stated that the level of the charge would be reviewed. In the light of the arguments advanced by the universities that the true costs of the charges would on average amount to £400 in 1997-98, the need for improved student services and the fact that the charge had been frozen since 1995, I accepted that the third level institutions could increase this charge to £250 for the 1997-98 academic year. In line with the 4% increase agreed for third level tuition fees for the 1998-99 academic year, I also accepted a similar increase in the level of this charge to £260.

The Deputy will be aware that the charge is not paid by students in receipt of grants.

The universities further increased this charge by 7% to £278 for the current academic year and I would point out that this increase was made without my approval. Section 40 of the Universities Act, 1997, enables a university to determine and charge fees for student registration, courses, lectures, etc. The Higher Education Authority can review, with the universities, the fees charged by the universities and then, having consulted with me, the Higher Education Authority can advise the universities on the fees, which in its opinion, should be charged. Accordingly, there is no specific statutory requirement for the universities to seek the approval of the Minister for Education and Science for the increase in the student charge. In the light of the increase in the charge being levied by the universities, I agreed to an increase to £278 for the charge payable by students in the Institutes of Technology however, this approval was on the basis that £8 of the increase would be specifically devoted to attrition-access initiatives in the individual institutions.

Prior to this year, there was agreement as to the level of increase in the charge and my officials are engaged in discussions with the Higher Education Authority and the universities regarding an agreed procedure for reviewing fee levels in the future.