Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 September 2004
358 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will take steps to ensure that there are no increases in the registration fees for third level students in 2004-05; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21348/04]
View answer429 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will reconsider his proposal on the increase to the higher level registration fees, flagged in Budget 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21852/04]
View answer674 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Education and Science if he intends to increase the higher level registration fees as predicted in the Budget 2004; if the increase in the minimum fee will be €80 as forecast; his views on whether such an increase is in line with declared Government policy that education should be accessible, in view of the fact that it applies to all students regardless of means; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22974/04]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 358, 429, and 674 together.
The student charge is levied by third level institutions to defray the costs of examinations, registration and student services. On 13 November 2003 I announced, as part of the 2004 Estimates for my Department, that the student charge will increase from €670 to €750 for the 2004-05 academic year. It is not the case that this charge applies irrespective of means. All students who are eligible for means tested student support have the student charge paid on their behalf by the local authorities or the vocational educationcommittees, in addition to their other entitlements.
