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Gnáthamharc

Third Level Fees.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 March 2004

Tuesday, 30 March 2004

Ceisteanna (49)

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

160 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science the action he intends to take to stop universities and third-level institutions withholding exam results from apprentices who have yet to pay registration fees in view of their protests against such charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9777/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

FÁS-registered apprentices attend institutes of technology for the fourth and sixth phases of their apprenticeship training. They do not attend universities for any part of their training.

In 2003 I received requests from a number of governing bodies of institutes of technology for approval to apply the student service charge to defray the costs of registration, examinations and student services to students enrolled on FÁS apprenticeship courses. The institutes argued that a pro rata charge should be levied on apprentices on the basis that they avail of the full range of services provided to students in the institutes. The institutes considered that it was unfair to levy the charge on full-time students only, as this gave rise to a situation whereby full-time students were effectively subsidising apprentices through their contributions toward the cost of providing student services.

The institutes also pointed out that unlike other categories of students, apprentices receive wages and either a travel or an accommodation allowance while studying in the institutes. Nevertheless, the institutes have indicated that they are prepared to consider reducing or waiving the charge in cases where it would cause hardship to the apprentice or their family.

Following consideration of the case made by the institutes of technology I decided to approve the introduction of a pro rata student services charge for FÁS apprentices from January 2004. I understand that the majority of apprentices have paid the charge.

Having regard to the question of withholding examination results from apprentices who have not paid the student services charge, the position is that the institutes of technology are statutory bodies established under the Regional Technical Colleges Act 1992 and the Dublin Institute of Technology Act 1992. Under those Acts, the governance and day to day activities of the institutes are matters for which the governing bodies and the management staff of the Institutes are responsible. This includes decisions in relation to examinations. Accordingly, it would not be appropriate for me as Minister to intervene in this matter.

Question No. 161 answered with QuestionNo. 149.
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