Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 October 2022
566. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason that students attending the University of Limerick are being charged €3,700 a year due to their being part-time students (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49838/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe matters raised by the Deputy are for consideration by the University of Limerick.
The University of Limerick is an autonomous institution within the meaning of the Universities Act 1997. It is therefore academically independent and responsible for the regulation of its own academic affairs and administrative processes, including in relation to course delivery and the determination of part time tuition fees. Neither I nor my Department have a role in these internal processes.
Where a student is dissatisfied with their course or wishes to raise a concern or complaint about the policies of a higher education institution the matters should be raised with the institution in line with the institutions complaints procedures.
For part time students attending publicly funded HEIs that are experiencing difficulties currently, there is a significant allocation to the Student Assistance Fund (SAF). The SAF assists students in a sensitive and compassionate manner who might otherwise be unable to continue their third level studies due to their financial circumstances. This fund is administered on a confidential, discretionary basis and I would encourage students to contact their access office to avail of these funds.
Tax relief on tuition fees may be available for students attending part-time courses. Details in relation to this relief are available from the Revenue Commissioners.
