Third Level Charges.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 March 2007

Thursday, 22 March 2007

Ceisteanna (46, 47)

Martin Ferris

Ceist:

38 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Education and Science if third level registration fees are in contravention of the Government’s policy of free fees. [10809/07]

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

41 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the current capitation charge for third level education; the increases in the third level capitation charge for each year since 1997; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10761/07]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 38 and 41 together.

The student charge is levied by third level institutions to defray the costs of examinations, registration and students services. All students who are eligible for means tested student support grant have the student charge paid on their behalf by the Local Authorities or the Vocational Education Committees, in addition to any maintenance grant and tuition fee grant they are entitled to.

The student charge is paid by the students on an academic year basis. The level of the charge for each year since the 1997/1998 academic year is as follows:

Year	€
1997/1998	317
1998/1999	330
1999/2000	353
2000/2001	371
2001/2002	396
2002/2003	670
2003/2004	670
2004/2005	750
2005/2006	775
2006/2007	800