Vol. 509 No. 3
69 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that deposit fees for third level places have increased by 50 per cent over the past three years; if his attention has further been drawn to the difficulty caused by this increase for students from low and middle income families who are just above the level for higher education grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20088/99]
The deposit fees referred to by Deputy Ferris refers to the standardised charge which the third level colleges levied in the context of the free fees initiative in the 1995-6 academic year for examinations, registration and student services. When introduced, this charge was fixed at a maximum of £150 for two academic years. At that time, the then Minister stated that the level of the charge would be reviewed. In the light of the arguments advanced by the universities that the true costs of the charges would on average amount to £400 in 1997-8, the need for improved student services and the fact that the charge had been frozen since 1995, I accepted that the third level institutions could increase this charge to £250 for the 1997-8 academic year. In line with the 4 per cent increase agreed for third level tuition fees for the 1998-9 academic year, I also accepted a similar increase in the level of this charge to £260.
The universities further increased this charge by 7 per cent to £278 for the current academic year and I would point out that this increase was made without my approval. Section 40 of the Universities Act, 1997, enables a university to determine and charge fees for student registration, courses, lectures, etc. The Higher Education Authority can review with the universities the fees charged by the universities and then, having consulted with me, the Higher Education Authority can advise the universities on the fees which in its opinion should be charged. Accordingly, there is no specific statutory requirement for the universities to seek the approval of the Minister for Education and Science for the increase in the student charge. Prior to this year, there was agreement as to the level of increase in the charge and my officials are engaged in discussions with the Higher Education Authority and the universities regarding an agreed procedure for reviewing fee levels in the future.
In the light of the increase in the charge being levied by the universities, I agreed to an increase to £278 for the charge payable by students in the institutes of technology. However, this approval was on the basis that £8 of the increase would be specifically devoted to attrition/access initiatives in the individual institutions. This funding will complement the targeted funding of £3 million being specifically allocated to promote access to third level amongst students from disadvantaged backgrounds, including people with disabilities, and a further £1.5 million to address the issue of non-completion of courses in institutes of technology.
As the Deputy is aware, students who are eligible for maintenance grants under the means tested student support schemes do not have to pay this charge. I believe that the effect of the charge has been to provide a sounder and more secure funding base for the services covered. I am concerned to ensure that the level of the services provided fully reflects the amount charged and as I have mentioned earlier, my officials are in discussions with the Higher Education Authority and the universities in this regard. I am also concerned that appropriate systems of consultation and accountability in the allocation of funding from the charge and in the determination of student services to be funded apply in all third level colleges. I understand that the Higher Education Authority's review of the consultative and decision making procedures in place in the various third level colleges in this regard will be finalised shortly.
