Dáil Éireann - Volume 500 - 10 February, 1999

Written Answers. - Third Level Courses.

Mr. Noonan Mr. Noonan

76. Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on whether students attending NCEA designated courses in independent colleges are unfairly discriminated against in that they must pay fees in view of the fact many of them attend those colleges due to the lack of places in public colleges; and the steps. if any, he will take to deal with this problem. [3613/99]

Mr. Martin Mr. Martin

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin): As the question of the non-inclusion of courses in independent colleges within the free fees initiative is at issue in the case of Patrick Jordan Junior, Patrick Jordan Senior, Raymond Kearns and Barry Acton v. the Minister for Education Ireland and the Attorney General, I do not consider it appropriate for me to make any statement as requested by the Deputy. I would, however, point out that this Government has funded a major increase in the number of places in public colleges and that, as I have said previously, this approach continues to be the priority.

Dáil Éireann 500 Written Answers. Third Level Courses.

Questions

19990210