Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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143. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if assistance will be provided in relation to a matter (details supplied) regarding student fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3435/23]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The Government approved a once off reduction of €1,000 in the student contribution payable by students eligible for free tuition fees under my Departments free fees schemes in academic year 22/23.

This once-off support relates specifically to the student contribution payable by students eligible for free tuition fees under the Department's free fees schemes in academic year 22/23. Where students do not qualify for free fees funding, they pay the appropriate fee as determined by each higher education institution.

A key principle of the design of the free fees initiative is to encourage progression, that is, to support students in progressing through a chosen course of study from year to year. As a result, students are not typically supported for a repeat period of study or for a different course at the same level. The once-off student contribution support of €1,000 therefore cannot apply to students undertaking a repeat period of study, if that period of study is not eligible for the free fees scheme in this academic year as determined by the institution attended.

However, once an equivalent period of study has been completed on the new course, a student may become eligible for free fees funding for the remainder of the course, where they meet all other criteria of the free fees scheme.

The specific matters raised by the Deputy relating to fee collection and access to exam results in a specific higher education institution are for consideration by the institution in question. Higher education institutions are autonomous bodies and are responsible for their own day-to-day management and operational affairs, including dealing with policy and procedure in relation to the collection of any fees. Neither I nor my Department have a role in these internal processes.