Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 June 2004
158 Mr. English asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on the dispute relating to the application of fees for apprentices who attend institutes of technology for two phases of their apprenticeships; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19445/04]
View answerIn 2003, I received requests from a number of governing bodies of institutes of technology for approval to apply the student service charge to defray the costs of registration, examinations and student services, to students enrolled on FÁS apprenticeship courses. The institutes argued that a pro rata charge should be levied on apprentices on the basis that they avail of the full range of services provided to students in the institutes. The institutes considered that it was unfair to levy the charge on full-time students only, as this gave rise to a situation whereby full-time students were effectively subsidising apprentices through their contributions toward the cost of providing student services.
The institutes also pointed out that, unlike other categories of student, apprentices receive wages and either a travel or an accommodation allowance while studying in the institutes. Nevertheless, the institutes have indicated they are prepared to consider reducing or waiving the charge in cases where it would cause hardship to apprentices or their families.
Following consideration of the case made by the institutes of technology, I decided to approve the introduction of a pro rata student services charge for FÁS apprentices from January 2004. I understand the majority of apprentices have paid the charge.
Having regard to the question of the dispute over institutes withholding examination results from apprentices who have not paid the student services charge, the position is that institutes of technology are statutory bodies established under the Regional Technical Colleges Act 1992 and the Dublin Institute of Technology Act 1992. Under those Acts, the governance and day to day activities of the institutes are matters for which the governing bodies and the management staff of the institutes are responsible. This includes matters in regard to examination results. Accordingly, it would not be appropriate for me, as Minister, to intervene in this matter.
