asked the Minister for Education if he is aware that fees for certain courses in the Dublin Institute of Technology and regional technical colleges have risen by up to 600 per cent over the past five years, that they are now often almost as expensive as university fees and that, as a result, courses in these colleges are now beyond the means of low income families; if he intends to take any measures to bring about a reduction in fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - College Fees
19.
Prior to 1983-84, feel levels varied greatly from college to college. Fees were largely standardised in that year and considerably increased having regard to two factors:
(1) the very low level of fees in these colleges by comparison with the universities and other colleges.
(2) the very small percentage of expenditure on colleges being met by way of fees.
As already announced by me in this House, fees for courses in these colleges will be as follows in the coming year:
|
Certificate courses |
£325 |
|
Diploma courses |
£350 |
|
Degree courses (except architecture and engineering) |
£550 |
|
Architecture and Engineering Degrees |
£700 |
These are still a long way below university levels.
At present approximately 75 per cent of all students in the colleges in question are in receipt of grants or scholarships and these grants and scholarships provide fully for fees. This means that low income families are cushioned to a considerable extent against fee increases.