Ossian Smyth (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator. I understand the feeling that the students must have that this is something they were counting on, and that some courses are funded and some are not. It is open to Marino Institute of Education, as a private, independent institution, to reduce the fees in line with the Government decision, but the budget decision agreed by all parties was for the €1,000 fee to be applied only to courses where the State has a relationship through the free fees initiative. However, I understand that the Minister, Deputy Harris, is willing to engage with Marino Institute. I understand he has agreed to meet it shortly to discuss this matter. I thank the Senator for affording me the opportunity to respond to the House.