Cecilia Keaveney
Question:159 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to the payment of fees for students attending colleges and institutes in Northern Ireland (details supplied). [13883/99]
Written Answers. - Third Level Fees.
I understand that the Deputy is referring to the payment of undergraduate tuition fees in Northern Ireland.
Under the terms of the free fees initiative undergraduate tuition fees are payable to eligible EU nationals who have been resident in an EU member state for at least three of the five years preceding their entry to an approved full-time third level course at colleges and institutions approved under the initiative. The initiative does not extend to colleges and institutions in Northern Ireland.
Since 1998-99 Irish students, along with all other EU students who commence courses in Northern Ireland, are asked to contribute up to £1,000 sterling per annum towards tuition fees for undergraduate courses. However, all EU students are eligible for grant assistance towards their undergraduate tuition fees from the UK authorities, subject to the same conditions, including means testing, as apply to UK students. Irish students must apply for assistance to the appropriate education and library boards in Northern Ireland.
Donegal VEC recently submitted to my Department a number of applications for payment of tuition fees in respect of students attending undergraduate courses in Northern Ireland. The candidates in question are all in receipt of maintenance grants from Donegal VEC but it appears that they did not qualify for grant aid for tuition fees from the appropriate education and library boards as a result of missing the official closing date of 31 December 1998.
My Department is currently considering these cases in conjunction with the appropriate authorities in Northern Ireland and I will let you know the outcome in due course.