Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 13 Dec 1995

Vol. 459 No. 7

Written Answers. - Third Level Fees.

Michael McDowell

Ceist:

108 Mr. M. McDowell asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the particular difficulties suffered by students who have completed one of their third level courses and are engaged in another course; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that the present requirement to pay tuition fees for a second course discriminates unfairly in favour of those who discontinue their first course without finalising it and against those in similar circumstances finishing out their first course and commencing a second course; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18914/95]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

The decision to abolish fees relates to fees paid by full time students who are pursuing their first undergraduate qualification.

Due to limited resources it is not possible to apply the initiative to students repeating years or pursuing a second undergraduate qualification.

Such students do, however, still benefit as the fees charged do not generally reflect the economic cost of the course as a result of the State subvention to third level institutions.