Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 November 2022
826. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason a student (details supplied) was excluded from the student fee reduction announced in budget 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55469/22]
View answerThe fee payable by a student can vary depending on a variety factors including the type of course and the student's access route including previous education.
Higher education institutions are responsible for the assessment of student applications to study and are responsible for determining the appropriate fee rates payable by a student. In this regard my department does not have a role in assessing individual student applications or determining the rate of tuition fee payable.
Where a student wishes to raise a query in relation to the fee rates determined by a higher education institution the matters should be raised with the institution attended.
I can advise that, as part of Budget 2023, I have secured a significant cost of living package for third level students, including a once-off €1,000 state financial support towards the undergraduate student contribution fee for higher education students eligible for my Department’s free fees schemes.
The once off reduction of €1,000 relates specifically to the student contribution payable by students eligible for free tuition fees under my Department's free fees schemes in academic year 22/23. Where a student wishes to confirm if they are eligible for free fees in academic year 22/23 they should contact the institution attended.
Where undergraduate students do not meet the qualifying criteria of the free fees schemes they are required to pay tuition fees in full to their higher education institution.
I am conscious that not all students are eligible for free fees or student grants and so, as part of the cost-of-living measures, I have allocated a further €8 million of funding for the Student Assistance Fund (SAF) for the current academic year. This Fund provides financial support to students who are experiencing financial difficulties while attending college and can provide assistance towards their rent, childcare costs, transport costs and books/class materials. It is open to both full and part-time registered students on courses of not less than one year's duration leading to an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification. Applications can be made under the SAF through the Access Office in a student’s third level institution.
