Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 October 2023
131. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of learners across the country will benefit from the removal of fees for PLC courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45579/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra144. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when PLC fees are to be abolished for further education students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45577/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 131 and 144 together.
A key focus in Budget 2024 is to further reduce the cost of third level education and put money back into people’s pockets. The package of measures announced will address cost barriers and make further and higher education more accessible for more people than ever before.
A significant step is removing PLC fees with effect from September 2024. This builds on our decision to abolish the €200 PLC Levy with effect from the 2022/23 academic year. However, students continued to face various fees such as student services charges, application fees, exam fees and professional registration fees. The fees charged vary across the Education and Training Boards and while some ETBs have moved to reduce their fees, this additional funding will ensure all PLC learners across the country do not face fees, when pursuing a PLC course from September next.
While the numbers enrolled on PLC programmes in the current academic year are not available yet, there were some 24,000 students enrolled on PLC courses in the 2022/23 academic year.
This additional investment will have a real and positive impact on further education learners.
