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Third Level Fees.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 March 2004

Tuesday, 30 March 2004

Ceisteanna (69)

Eamon Gilmore

Ceist:

180 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in view of the recent protests by apprentices around the country, he plans to review the requirement on them to pay the €223 registration fee levied on them for attending university courses; if his attention has been drawn to the apprentices’ arguments that this charge is unfair as they are effectively full-time employees and only part-time students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9776/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I have no plans to review my decision to approve the introduction of a pro rata student service charge for FÁS apprentices while they are attending the institutes of technology.

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 conducted a survey in 2002 of the level of usage of student services by FÁS apprentices. All institutes involved in provision of apprenticeship courses participated in this survey. The survey findings indicated that there was justification for levying a student services fee on FÁS apprentices commensurate with their usage of services.

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 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 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.

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