499 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Education and Science her plans to abolish fees for part-time third level students; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3461/07]

I have no plans for extending the free tuition fees scheme to include part-time students at this time. Under the terms of my Department's Free Fees Initiative the exchequer meets the tuition fees of eligible students. The main conditions are that students must (a) be first-time undergraduates; (b) hold E.U. nationality or official refugee status; and (c) have been ordinarily resident in an E.U. Member State for at least three of the five years preceding their entry to an approved third level course.

As the Deputy may also be aware, tax relief is available at the standard rate of taxation in respect of expenditure on fees associated with part-time higher education.