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Third Level Fees

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 July 2012

Thursday, 19 July 2012

Questions (156)

Robert Troy

Question:

156 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the cost of third level registration fees for first and subsequent children; and if he plans to introduce a payment plan to alleviate the pressure on parents. [36281/12]

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Written answers

As the Deputy will be aware a new student contribution charge of €2,000 was introduced in higher education by the previous Government with effect from the 2011/2012 academic year. This charge replaced the previous Student Services Charge and applies to all students who currently benefit under the "free fees" scheme.

The Charge is due to increase to €2,250 for the next academic year. The Finance Bill 2012, provides for tax relief at the standard rate of tax for full-time fees in excess of €2,250. Therefore, based on current rates of relief, the effective cost of the student contribution charge, net of tax relief, for second and subsequent siblings will be €1,800 each.

The Higher Education Authority (HEA) has written to higher education institutions requesting that they show flexibility and consideration to students awaiting a decision on their grant application and/or payment of grants for the current academic year. At my Department's request the HEA has recently sent a reminder to institutions again requesting that flexibility be shown to students for the next academic year and to request that students be allowed pay the charge in two instalments if required.

The charge is paid by the Exchequer in respect of students who qualify under my Department's student grant scheme.

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