Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 23 Jan 1997

Vol. 473 No. 5

Written Answers. - School Charges.

Mary Coughlan

Ceist:

52 Miss Coughlan asked the Minister for Education her views on the fact that the working party on the £150 charge, established by her under the auspices of the Higher Education Authority and announced in Dáil Éireann in October 1995, has only met once since being established; and when this body will provide its final report. [1745/97]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

The Working Group established last July to review and make recommendations on the £150 charge paid by each student towards the cost of examinations, registration and student services comprises representatives of my Department, the universities, the regional technical colleges, the Dublin Institute of Technology, the Union of Students in Ireland and the Higher Education Authority.

I understand from the Higher Education Authority that it was decided that certain information in relation to the distribution of the £150 charge would be collated with a view to informing the work and group. Certain difficulties have been experienced in this regard and the Higher Education Authority has been in contact with the various parties in an effort to expedite matters. The Higher Education Authority proposes to convene a further meeting of the group over the coming weeks.

The working arrangements and date for finalisation of a report are matters for the group to determine.