Prosecutions for alleged false sign ups for the fees-free programme

The Tertiary Education Commission is prosecuting three people who signed up for the Government's flagship fees-free programme.

Earlier this year, the Commission said it was looking into 50 cases of false declarations, and this morning it announced action is being taken against three people.

It has identified about 400 false declarations, almost all resulting in a caution.

Under the Education Act, anyone who makes a false representation in order to receive free tertiary education faces a fine up to 5000 dollars.

The policy makes the first year of tertiary education free.