Seán Crowe
Ceist:165 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount it would cost to abolish fees for part-time students. [42115/06]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 7 December 2006
Ceisteanna (165)
Freagraí scríofa
I take it the Deputy's question relates to fees for part-time students undertaking undergraduate courses at our higher education institutions funded by the State. The HEA estimates that abolishing fees for such courses would have an annual cost of €40m. The HEA Eurostudent Survey 2005 found that students who are availing of part-time studies tend to do so as part of their career development (some 69% are in studies closely related to their job) and/or with employer support. Around 33% of students paying course fees received financial support from their employer. Tax relief is available for these costs.