Edward Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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53. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider reviewing course fees for third level courses, for example, nursing, based on the hours of work placement being completed versus the hours spent in the college facility (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26356/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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Higher Education Institutions are autonomous with regard to management of their academic affairs. This includes determining tuition fee structures and the fee requirements for students undertaking a course that includes a placement element. It is not open to my Department to intervene in the policies of the institutions.I appreciate that a student undertaking a placement, where they are not on campus each day to attend a lecture or utilising laboratory space, may enquire as to why they are required to pay standard fees.Ultimately, while the tuition fee arrangements are a matter for the institutions, it is important to note that institutions continue to incur costs during a student’s placement. For example, placement periods often contribute toward the student’s final qualification requiring the institution to oversee and assess the student’s progress during the placement. Students may also receive other supports while on placement and typically retain access to institution resources.It is also necessary for the administrators of the institution to be able to provide education on a sustainable basis. The institutions’ fee schedules and tuition fee requirements are spread over the duration of the course. Where a student has a query or concern in relation to an institution’s fee policy they can contact the institution directly for information on the requirements of an individual course.