Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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The position is that the higher education institutions, such as University of Limerick, are autonomous bodies and therefore the day to day operation of the institution, including issues surrounding the collection and administration of the Student Contribution and relevant action where there are outstanding debts, are matters for the Governing Authority of each institution.

However, where possible, I would hope that higher education institutions deal with students in financial difficulties in a sensitive and understanding manner. As requested by my Department, institutions have facilities in place to allow students to pay the student contribution in two moities in order to spread the financial cost of third level, rather than having to make one lump payment at the start of the academic year.