Post-Leaving Certificate Courses Fees

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 June 2018

Tuesday, 26 June 2018

Ceisteanna (168)

Kathleen Funchion

Ceist:

168. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Education and Skills the estimated cost to remove post-leaving certificate course fees. [27519/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

The only centrally determined payment for the Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) programme is the €200 PLC participant contribution. This amount is not payable by persons with a medical card, as well as a number of other categories, which means that approximately 60% of PLC participants do not pay the contribution. The estimated cost to remove the PLC participant contribution is in the region of €2.4 million.

It should be noted that PLC colleges are also permitted to charge PLC participants for the following and these charges are set locally -

- Books, uniforms/clothing or other equipment which become the personal property of the participant

- Student Services

- Registration charges by professional bodies

- Examination fees