McCallister welcomes College Fee Concessions for Senior Citizens

South Down MLA John McCallister has voiced his delight at his UUP colleague and Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey's, recent announcement of major assistance for those seeking to claim concessionary fees at their local Further Education College.

Speaking after Sir Reg Empey's visit to the Southern Regional College's Newry campus, Mr McCallister said "This is great news for many pensioners seeking to enrol on a Further Education college course in September."

"From now on, those who are in receipt of relief under the new Rates Relief Scheme, will also be entitled to claim a concessionary fee at their local college. This has the potential to increase the number of pensioners who can claim reduced fees for their college courses, and in a way that is compliant with Age Legislation."

The local assemblyman explained that Employment Equality (Age) Regulations, introduced in October 2006, had made it impossible for colleges to continue to offer concessionary fees solely on the basis of age. This left many pensioners facing increased fees for their attendance at college courses. The new arrangements are now in place and will be available to anyone planning to enroll on courses from September of this year.

He concluded: "This is both a victory for common sense and Senior Citizens in Northern Ireland. Learning is a lifelong process and it is essential that older people who wish to undertake further study, are enabled to do so, whether it be for business or pleasure purposes."