John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 546: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the reason universities are able to raise their fees by up to 20% each year for postgraduate students; if this fee increase is initiated by universities or by her Department; if initiated by her Department, the criteria on which it is based (details supplied); if this fee increase is in line with the State's policy of encouraging education; her views on whether such massive increases are fair on students; if she will consider imposing a cap on fee costs for postgraduate students; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31733/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The levels of tuition fees for postgraduate courses are set by individual universities and not by my Department. The universities are autonomous institutions and, under the Universities Act 1997, may determine the amount of such fees they charge. I am not aware that there has been a general increase in postgraduate fees of the magnitude outlined by the Deputy. Section 473A, Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provides for tax relief on tuition fees, at the standard rate in respect of approved courses at approved colleges of higher education including certain approved undergraduate and postgraduate courses in EU and non-EU member states. The maximum level of qualifying fee for tax relief purposes in respect of the academic year 2005 to 2006 is €5,000. Further details and application forms, IT 31 form, to claim tax relief on tuition fees are available from the Revenue Commissioners.