Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 484: To ask the Minister for Education and Science his plans to reintroduce third level fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24506/09]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 521: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the options under consideration for the introduction of tuition fees at college; his plans to introduce a green paper for consultation on this subject; if he will give parents reasonable notice of his intention to introduce such fees in order that they have the opportunity to plan their budgets to meet such obligations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24882/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 484 and 521 together.

As the Deputies will be aware, I am currently finalising a review of policy options relating to the introduction of a form of student contribution. There are many complex and competing considerations including costs, affordability and value for money for the taxpayer which will be taken into account by the Government in considering the available options. I will be providing the technical report to my Cabinet colleagues for consideration in the near future. I do not intend to issue a Green Paper in the matter.

I have already signalled that it is not my intention to recommend that any new form of student contribution should be introduced before 2010. In the event that it is decided to introduce a form of student contribution from a future point, such arrangements would also apply, from that time, to those students who would have entered higher education this year i.e. 2009.