Department insists no decision made on third-level fees

THE Department of Education has insisted no decision to introduce college fees has been made – despite claims by student representatives that colleges have been told to advise incoming students they could have to pay for their education from next year. In a letter from the Higher Education Authority (HEA), state-funded third level institutions have been asked to make new students aware during the coming academic year that they would be liable for a new form of charge in the second year of their studies in the event of a future Government decision to introduce a new form of student contribution from 2010.

The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) said the letter suggests Education Minister Batt O'Keeffe has already made up his mind to reintroduce fees without hearing the views of the cabinet on the matter. He has asked other ministers to give their response by September 15 to the various options on a student contribution which he provided in a report to them last month.

"It is appalling that this minister has preempted his colleagues' feedback just weeks before they are due to submit their views on the reintroduction of third-level fees," said USI president Peter Mannion.

But a Department of Education spokesperson said no decision on the issue has been made, although she confirmed the minister's previous indication that those entering college this autumn could be liable for charges for their second and subsequent years in third level.

The HEA yesterday responded to criticisms about the new selection method for medical schools, which saw some applicants with more than 500 out of 600 Leaving Certificate points not getting places this week because entrants were chosen based on a combination of exam results and scores in the HPAT aptitude test taken in February.

"All schools and guidance counsellors were sent comprehensive information on the HPAT during the week of May 19, 2008. Students seeking admission to medicine courses would have been aware, or should have made themselves aware, of the requirements for entry to those courses," a spokesperson said.

He said the HEA and medical schools had received no complaints about the new admission system or the operation of the HPAT test before this week.