Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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485. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 143 of 25 January 2023, if he will clarify a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11021/23]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The once-off reduction of €1,000 in the student contribution only applies to students who are eligible for free fees.As outlined in my response of 25 January, 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 under the free fees initiative for a repeat period of study or for a different course at the same level.

The responsibility for determining whether or not a student is eligible for free fees, based on application of the criteria of the free fees initiative, lies with the higher education institution as an autonomous body. If a student is not eligible for free frees, they must pay the appropriate tuition rate determined by the institution, and the student contribution is not applicable. Where a student requires guidance or advice on the fee determination of the institute attended, they must contact the institution attended for advice. It is not possible for my Department to advise on the fee determinations of autonomous bodies.

However, recognising the financial difficulties faced by students who may not be eligible for other supports, I have significantly increased the allocation to the Student Assistance Fund to over €20 million for this academic year - the highest amount ever provided under this Fund.

The Fund can provide assistance towards rent, childcare costs, transport costs and books/class materials for students experiencing financial difficulty. The Fund guidelines provide that students with a previous higher education qualification at the same level, or who, in the past, attended higher education without ultimately obtaining a qualification, may be considered for support on a case-by-case basis.

Information on the Fund is available through the Access Office in the higher education institution attended.