Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 December 2023
338. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason NCEF courses are not included in the Government HEA cost of living package; the reason for their exclusion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54295/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraBudget 2024 contains a package of measures to support households with the cost of living. These cost of living measures include the provision of one off funding that has allowed for a €1,000 reduction in the student contribution fee for higher education students that are eligible for the Free Fees Initiative (FFI) in 2023/24.
As the Deputy will be aware, the student contribution only applies in circumstances where a student is eligible for free fees; it is the student’s contribution towards their tuition fee within the terms of the FFI.
Where a course is not part of the FFI, including any NCEF courses offered outside the scheme, the student contribution towards free fees does not apply and instead students pay the applicable tuition fee to the higher education institution attended.
Where any individual student has a query in relation to their eligibility for free fees or their eligibility for the cost of living measure, they should contact the fee office in the institution attended for advice appropriate to their individual circumstances.
