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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 15 Oct 2002

Vol. 555 No. 2

Adjournment Debate. - Third Level Fees.

Denis Naughten

Question:

225 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a person (details supplied) is being charged fees in view of the fact that this person has never received support in the past from his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18199/02]

It is the third level institutions which take decisions regarding eligibility under the free fees initiative, based on criteria issued by my Department. These institutions do not refer individual queries to my Department except, in exceptional cases, where, for example, advice or instruction regarding a particular condition in the criteria is desired. It appears that no such advice or instruction has to date been sought in the case of the student, referred to by the Deputy.

Where an institution has not extended the benefit of the free fees initiative to an individual student, and the student is of the view that the free fees criteria have not been interpreted correctly in his or her case, a letter outlining the position may be sent to my Department. Alternatively, as already indicated, the institution itself may, in exceptional circumstances, seek clarification on an issue from my Department.

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