Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 69: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding college fees (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8924/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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As the Deputy will be aware, currently under the terms of my Department's Free Fee Schemes the Exchequer meets the cost of tuition fees in respect of eligible students who are pursuing full-time undergraduate courses of study which are a minimum of two years duration in an approved higher education institution. The main conditions of the scheme are that students must be first-time undergraduates, hold inter alia EU/EEA/Swiss nationality in their own right, and have been ordinarily resident in an EU/EEA/Swiss state for at least three of the five years preceding their entry to an approved third level course. Where undergraduate students do not meet the eligibility criteria of the free fees schemes, it is the higher education institution concerned that determines, in accordance with its own criteria, the appropriate tuition fee payable by such students.

With effect from the 2011/2012 academic year, a new student contribution charge of €2,000 will be introduced in higher education. This charge will replace the existing Student Services Charge and will apply to all students who currently benefit under the 'free fees' scheme. The contribution will be paid by the Exchequer in respect of students who qualify under the third level grant schemes.

The Programme for Government provides a commitment to undertake a full review of third level funding with a view to introducing a funding system that will provide third level institutions with reliable funding but does not impact on access for students. This review will be advanced as part of the wider implementation plan for the higher education strategy and links to recommendations made in the Hunt report in relation to the role of the HEA in advising on the sustainability of the system, developing the higher education funding model and supporting institutions in widening their funding base. I will be considering the issues involved including an increased contribution by students as referred to by the Deputy as part of my wider consideration of the implementation plan.