Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 2 Mar 1999

Vol. 501 No. 3

Written Answers. - Education of Foreign Nationals.

Proinsias De Rossa

Question:

368 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties created for children of asylum seekers who do not have refugee status or humanitarian leave to remain, are in second level schools and wish to attend third level education in view of the fact they cannot be treated like Irish students in terms of fees and maintenance; if, in particular, assistance will be provided to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 whose family has applied for refugee status and who wishes to attend third level and has been highly recommended by her teachers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6037/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

Under the terms of the free fees initiat ive, tuition fees are payable in respect of EU nationals who have been ordinarily resident in an EU member state for at least three of the five years preceding their entry to an approved third level course, subject to the other conditions of the scheme.

The third level student support schemes apply to candidates who hold EU nationality, have official refugee status or have been granted humanitarian leave to remain in the State. Eligible candidates who do not qualify under the free fees initiative may qualify for assistance towards their tuition fees under the terms of the student support schemes.

I understand that the family of the student, to whom the Deputy refers, has submitted an application for official refugee status. If this application is successful the student may submit an application to her local authority to have her eligibility assessed under the terms of the higher education grant scheme.