Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 2 Oct 1997

Vol. 480 No. 8

Written Answers. - Third Level Fees.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

124 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will give details of the deposits and the registration fees which students of third level colleges are required to pay; and the changes in the level of these charges for the year 1997-8 compared to 1996-7. [15269/97]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

In the context of the free fees initiative, a standardised charge of £150 was levied by the third level colleges in the 1995-6 academic year for examination, registration and student services. This charge was fixed at a maximum of £150 for the 1995-96 and 1996-97 academic years and set for review this year.

The universities have argued that the true cost of these charges would on average amount to £400 in the 1997-8 academic year and that, increasingly, the services have required subvention from other areas of their income. The need for improved student services has also been highlighted by both the universities and the technological sector. In the light of these arguments and the fact that the charge had been frozen since 1995, I accepted that the third level institutions could increase this charge to £250. I would point out that students who are eligible for maintenance grants under the means tested student support schemes do not have to pay this charge. In this regard, some 60 per cent of certificate and diploma students in the technological sector and 40 per cent of students in the university sector are eligible for maintenance grants.

I have also requested the chairman of the Higher Education Authority to reconvene the working group, which was previously established to review and make recommendations on the implementation of the charge, to prepare a framework of good practice in relation to this charge, with particular reference to the principles of transparency and accountability.

I expect that this framework will be available by the end of November and in anticipation of the publication of the framework, I have requested all institutions to consult with students' unions on the application of funding for improved student services. I have increased the level of student representation on this working group.

In addition to this basic charge towards the cost of registration, exams and student services, a number of third level institutions have additional levies, of between £10 and £50 in respect of the development of students centres and sports centres. These levies have been introduced following referenda of students in the individual colleges. Some institutions may also charge deposits/fees from students for the use of equipment and/or materials on particular courses. These deposits-fees are a matter for the individual third level institutions and my Department does not have details of the individual deposits/fees.