Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 September 2013
399. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on the fact that universities and institutes of technology are increasing their fees for postgraduate courses each year in view of the fact that the average postgraduate course now costs between €5,000 and €14,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38426/13]
View answerHigher education institutions are autonomous bodies and the criteria governing the level of tuition fees to be charged in relation to postgraduate study is determined by the institutions and accordingly I have no role in relation to the matter. Under my Department's student grant scheme, those who meet the qualifying conditions for the special rate of grant are eligible to have their post-graduate tuition fees paid up to the maximum fee limit of €6,270 or a postgraduate student may qualify to have a €2,000 contribution made towards the cost of their fees. The income threshold for this payment is €31,500 for the 2013/14 academic year, increasing relative to the number of family dependents. Tax relief is also available on postgraduate tuition fees paid. Details in relation to this relief are available from the Revenue Commissioners.
