James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 1014: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if he will make provision for the exemption of single parents, widows and widowers from paying third level fees, as this group is being hard hit, in view of the demands on one salary in providing for a family. [10823/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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I assume that the Deputy is referring to the issue of the introduction of a form of student contribution as at present such persons, as referred to by the Deputy, would be eligible for free fees once they meet the criteria of the free fees schemes. As the Deputy is aware my Department, with the assistance of the Higher Education Authority (HEA), is at present conducting a review of policy options relating to the introduction of a form of student contribution. There are many complex and competing considerations including costs and affordability that will fall to be taken into account by the Government in considering the available options. It is my intention to bring proposals to Government in the near future in relation to the available options.