Third Level Fees

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 December 2015

Tuesday, 8 December 2015

Questions (511)

Arthur Spring

Question:

511. Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she is aware that an apprentice attending a Forás Áiseanna Saothair course is required to pay €1,000 to Cork Institute of Technology (details supplied) for a nine-week period to complete phase 4 training for the trade of motor mechanic and that this fee was not in existence when this apprentice initially began the course; if this fee will be reversed given the person's low income while on an apprentice scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43910/15]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

An Annual Student Contribution is levied on students attending Institutes of Technology. This contribution has been levied by Institutes of Technology in respect of apprentices since 2004, with FÁS/SOLAS paying 70% of the contribution and apprentices themselves paying the remainder. As part of Budget 2014, SOLAS ceased making this payment and the apprentices pay the Annual Student Contribution themselves. Apprentices pay the same rate of contribution as students but this is apportioned for the time they spend in the Institutes.

Unlike students, apprentices are paid a training allowance by SOLAS for phases of their training spent in Institutes of Technology. This allowance is equivalent to the wages they receive from their employers for on the job phases.