Michael McNamara (Clare, Independent)
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1273. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a person (details supplied) has to pay further fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18412/21]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Applications for free fees are assessed by higher education institutions. Under the Free Fees Initiative the Exchequer meets the cost of tuition fees of eligible students pursuing an approved full-time undergraduate course of study in an approved institution in the State. Eligible students must meet the terms of the scheme, including the nationality and residency clauses.

Where undergraduate students do not qualify for free fees funding they must pay the appropriate fee, either EU or Non-EU, as determined by each higher education institution. Higher education institutions are autonomous bodies and therefore the criteria governing the level of fee payable by students (EU or non-EU) is a matter for the relevant institution to determine in line with its own criteria.

Following enquiries made by Officials from my Department with SUSI, the centralised student grant awarding authority, I understand the student in question was awarded 100% EU Rate of Fees (up to €6,270 towards tuition fees) for the 2020/21 academic year. SUSI have confirmed that full EU fees at the maximum rate allowable under the Student Grant Scheme have been paid on the student's behalf.

The determination on the rate of fees payable for a particular student (i.e. International or EU rate) rests solely with the college concerned. Neither SUSI nor my Department have a role in this. Accordingly, the student is advised to liaise directly with the college concerning this matter. The Fees Office of NUIG may be contacted by emailing fees@nuigalway.ie and including CAO / NUI Galway student ID number. Details of the appeals process operated by the college in relation to the rate of fees charged may be requested from this office.

Apart from the Student Grant Scheme, students in third-level institutions experiencing exceptional financial need can apply for support under the Student Assistance Fund. This Fund assists students, in a sensitive and compassionate manner, who might otherwise be unable to continue their third level studies due to their financial circumstances. Information on the fund is available through the Access Office in the third level institution attended, and is administered on a confidential discretionary basis.

In addition, tax relief at the standard rate of tax may also be available in respect of tuition fees paid for approved courses at approved colleges of higher education. Further information on this tax relief is available from a student's local Tax Office or from the Revenue Commissioners website, www.revenue.ie