A new report has reaffirmed the right of universities to levy whatever student service charge they regard as necessary to cover costs.
They are legally entitled to set the level, and consultation with students on the matter "is best left to the individual institution", concludes the report from the Higher Education Authority. The charge covers exams, registration and grants to clubs and societies. Last year's increase by 7 per cent to £278 a head angered many students and parents and some student unions accused colleges of trying to reintroduce tuition fees by the back door.
The HEA report, which has yet to be published, but has been seen by The Irish Times, will be submitted to all colleges, the Department of Education and the Union of Students in Ireland.
It says traditionally universities set their charge following discussions and agreement with the Department of Education and the HEA. "However, in 1999, this process regrettably did not work, despite detailed consultations with the HEA and the Department." But it hopes the tradition can be re-established in coming academic years. The HEA is currently holding discussions with colleges to try and get agreement on charges.
Service charges are likely to increase next year by about 5 per cent to compensate for pay rises agreed in the new national pay agreement.
The report states a "central forum", where students are well represented, should be consulted by the college authorities in relation to the allocation of funds.
"The HEA does not favour attempting to impose uniform procedures on institutions and considers that the approach in setting out a broad framework for institutions to consider themselves has been effective."
The report discloses wide variations among the college in how they allocate the money collected under the heading of student service charge.
For example in the academic year 1998/1999, UCD allocated £39 per student to registration, £74 for exams and £147 for student services. University College Cork allocated £38 to registration, £94 for exams and £128 for student services.
The National University of Ireland Maynooth allocated £96 for registration, £81 for exams and £83 for student services. NUI Galway did not provide information on its allocations.
Trinity College Dublin did not provide information on what was levied for registration and exams, but disclosed that £61 was allocated to student services. Dublin Institute of Technology allocated £75 for exams and registration and £185 for student services.
The key issue, says the report, is that "appropriate consultation has taken place with students in arriving at these decision". It says "the HEA is satisfied that all third-level institutions have endeavoured to put in place arrangements that they considered to be appropriate".
However, it says should third-level institutions "decide on radically different allocation strategies" following the consultations with students, "this is a matter for the institutions themselves".