Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 612: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the cost of implementing the commitment in the programme for Government to introduce a new system of means tested free fees for approved part-time courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28347/08]

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 681: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the progress made on the programme for Government proposal to introduce a new system of means-tested free fees for approved part-time courses. [28730/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 612 and 681 together.

The implementation of the commitment in the Programme for Government to introduce a new system of means-tested free fees for approved part-time courses will be considered over the lifetime of the Government, having regard to the availability of resources. Paragraph 7.9 of Part VI of Towards 2016 contains a commitment to establish a targeted fund to alleviate fees in Higher Education Authority (HEA) supported public institutions for part-time courses at third level for those at work who have not previously pursued a third level qualification. Discussions are in train with the HEA and other stakeholders on the design of a scheme, to be funded through the National Training Fund, to implement this commitment.