Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 November 2013
309. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education and Skills if payment of the student contribution charge of €2,500 for the academic year 2013-14 for third level colleges, which may be paid in two instalments, can also be paid by monthly instalments. [46361/13]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware the Student Contribution, which currently stands at €2,500, is payable by students who qualify under my Departments Free Fees Schemes. Students who qualify under my Department's student grant scheme have the contribution paid on their behalf by the Exchequer (some 40%). Conscious of financial pressures on families tax relief provisions have been put in place so that second and subsequent siblings do not have to bear the full cost. An additional category of "50% Student Contribution" is also available under the student grants scheme to assist in meeting the cost. Higher Education Institutions, at my request, have provisions in place to allow students to pay the contribution in two moieties. I previously asked the Authority to request that higher education institutions show flexibility and consideration to students awaiting a decision on their grant application and/or payment of a grant. I am aware that institutions work with students who present with financial difficulties and deal with such situations on a case by case basis, however as the Deputy can appreciate, this is ultimately a matter for individual institutions as autonomous bodies.
