Vol. 556 No. 2
72 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science the reasons fees are being requested from a person attending CIT, Carlow, for 2002, in view of the fact that this person was granted a deferral on health grounds in 2001 after they had their fees paid for the first year but did not commence their course due to ill health; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19640/02]
The institutes of technology take decisions regarding eligibility for free tuition fees, 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. Where an institution has not extended the benefit of free fees to an individual student, and the student is of the view that the 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. Similarly, issues relating to the payment of the charge in respect of student services, examinations and registration by an individual student are primarily a matter for the relevant institute of technology.
