Seán Haughey
Ceist:187 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has to link the capitation fee increase for university students to the rate of inflation and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9253/00]
Vol. 517 No. 1
187 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has to link the capitation fee increase for university students to the rate of inflation and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9253/00]
188 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has to eliminate the exams and registration element of the capitation fee for university students; if he will bring increased accountability regarding the way in which this money is spent and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9254/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 187 and 188 together.
The capitation charge referred to by Deputy Haughey refers to the standardised charge levied in the context of the free fees initiative in the 1995-96 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 charge would on average amount to £400 in 1997-98, the need for improved student services and the fact that the charge had been frozen since 1995, it was accepted that the third level institutions could increase this charge to £250 for the 1997-98 academic year. In line with the 4% increase agreed for third level tuition fees for the 1998-99 academic year, a similar increase in the level of this charge to £260 was accepted.
The Deputy will be aware that the charge is not paid by students in receipt of grants.