Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 October 2009
148 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in view of the revised programme for Government decision not to reintroduce third level fees, he will guarantee that there will be no further increase to the €1,500 student registration fee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37109/09]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware the student services charge is levied by third level institutions to defray the costs of examinations, registration and students services. These services may include on-campus medical and counselling facilities for students, access and disability services, careers office, student facilities, student clubs and societies etc. Currently, the student services charge is decided annually by third-level institutions in consultation with the Higher Education Authority and my Department. I do not propose to change this arrangement. Any change in the level of this charge would only be considered where the increase is intended to bring the amount contributed by students into line with the costs of the range of students services provided.
