Vol. 560 No. 1
324 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Question No. 151 of 27 November 2002, if he will consider removing fees for part-time students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27050/02]
As previously outlined to the Deputy in my response to Parliamentary Question No. 151 of 27 November 2002, the abolition of fees for part-time students would have to be considered in light of the budgetary situation and in the context of other competing demands in the education system, including tackling educational disadvantage at all levels, addressing capital and equipment needs and improving support services across the system. To introduce free fees for all part-time students would be extremely costly and there are no plans at present to do so.
