Jim O'Keeffe
Question:171 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science the fees chargeable to students attending third level institutions. [30352/01]
Written Answers. - Third Level Fees.
Section 40 of the Universities Act, 1997 enables a university to determine and charge fees for student registration, courses, lectures, examinations and other services. Similarly section 17 of the Regional Technical Colleges Act, 1992 and section 18 of the Dublin Institute of Technology Act, 1992 allow an Institute of Technology to make similar charges subject to such conditions as may be specified by the Minister for Education and Science.
Under the free fees initiative, the Exchequer meets the tuition fees of eligible students pursuing approved full-time undergraduate courses. In the case of approved certificate and diploma courses in the institutes of technology, eligible students can have their tuition fees met under the third level trainee scheme. In the context of the free fees initiative, a standardised charge was levied by third level colleges in the 1995/96 academic year for examinations, registration and student services. This charge is £312 for the 2001-02 academic year. Students who are eligible for maintenance grants under the means tested student support schemes do not have to pay this charge, as it is met by the relevant grant authority.
Students pursuing approved part-time undergraduate courses are eligible for tax relief on their fees. Post-graduate students pursuing approved full-time courses may qualify to have their tuition fees paid under the student support schemes or alternatively can apply for tax relief.