Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 129: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if the University of Dublin, Trinity College, will provide a facility to allow students to pay the student contribution in two instalments as is available for student fees; if the university does not provide such a service whether he will request it to do so; if he will confirm that Trinity College charges a late payment replacement fee of €358; his views on whether it is appropriate to charge those in financial difficulty such a large fine for being late; if he will request the college to reduce same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28254/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

A new student contribution of €2,000 was introduced in higher education institutions with effect from the 2011/12 academic year. The student contribution replaces the Student Services Charge and applies to all students who benefit under the free fees scheme. In recognition of the financial pressures that the student contribution may place on families, my Department requested higher education institutions to consider putting in place arrangements under which a student may opt to pay the student contribution charge in two instalments in a given academic year. I have again asked the Higher Education Authority to request institutions to allow the payment of the charge in two moieties.

I understand that in the case of Trinity College they have system limitations which do not allow at present for payment by instalments. All institutions have been requested to accommodate students who present with financial difficulties on a case by case basis and again I understand that in Trinity College such students will be accommodated through their existing financial assistance programmes.

A late payment replacement fee is charged by Trinity where a student wants to be re-admitted to their course having failed to register by the end of the Michaelmas term and is therefore deemed to have withdrawn from their course. Students who present to the University with financial difficulties and are granted an extension on the payment of the Student Contribution Charge are not charged a fee.