Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

830. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if a person (details supplied) will receive the benefit of the reduction in the fees payment recently announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55572/22]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As part of Budget 2023 I have secured a significant cost of living package for third level students including a once-off €1,000 state financial support towards the undergraduate student contribution fee for higher education students eligible for my Department’s free fees schemes.

The once off €1,000 support relates specifically to the student contribution payable by student’s eligible for free tuition fees under the Department free fees schemes in academic year 22/23.

For students in private colleges the reduction will only apply where students are attending approved undergraduate free fees courses and where the student is eligible for free fees.

Students attending other courses, such as those in many private institutions including ICHAS, pay a tuition fee which is determined by the institution concerned. It would not be feasible to extend State funding to cover the fees in these institutions.

Tax relief on tuition fees may be available for students attending courses in private colleges. Details in relation to this relief are available from the Revenue Commissioners.

It is open to private institutions to provide financial supports to students that they consider to be in need of such assistance. Private Colleges can advise students on any supports available for courses they provide.