Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 Nov 1999

Vol. 511 No. 3

Written Answers. - Student Support Schemes.

Denis Naughten

Question:

367 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has to harmonise student financial support and the recognition of academic qualifications between here and the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24090/99]

Richard Bruton

Question:

376 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will make a statement on the impact of the UK Government's proposal to charge students from here tuition fees on enrolment in institutions of further and higher education throughout the UK. [24123/99]

Richard Bruton

Question:

377 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will make a statement on the way in which he will harmonise student financial support arrangements and recognition of academic qualifications between this country and the United Kingdom. [24124/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 367, 376 and 377 together.

Subsequent to the report of Sir Ron Dearing on the future of higher education, the UK authorities introduced a number of changes in the financial support arrangements for students pursuing courses at further and higher education institutions. This included the introduction of an annual tuition fee for students entering further and higher education institutions for the first time from the 1998-99 academic year and the replacement of maintenance grants by student loans to be phased in from that year also.

All EU students, including Irish students, are eligible for grant assistance towards the tuition fee subject to the same conditions as apply to UK students. This means that students from lower income families will receive full grant assistance towards the cost of their tuition fees.

Data available on the number of Irish students studying in the UK, including Northern Ireland, indicate that in 1998-99 there were 13,250 full-time higher education students from the Republic attending colleges of further and higher education in the UK. Of these 2,896 were first time entrants. The figure for 1999-2000 shows a decrease to 2,368 first time entrants, a drop of almost 600 students. My Department does not have figures available on the numbers of full-time further education students from the Republic attending colleges of further and higher education in the UK.

There are a range of factors that influence student choices as to study at home or elsewhere such as in the UK. In this regard, I would point out that this Government has provided for a substantial increase in the number of further and higher education places over recent years.

I have previously outlined my position that I do not intend to reintroduce tuition fees at third level. Accordingly, I have no plans at present to initiate a harmonisation of student financial support between the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom.

With regard to the recognition of academic qualifications, the objects of the Qualifications (Education and Training) Act, 1999, enacted during the summer, include the promotion of recognition outside the State of awards made by bodies in the State and the recognition in the State of awards made by bodies outside the State. Once the Act is brought into operation, it will be a function of the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland to liaise with bodies outside the State which make education and training awards for the purposes of facilitating the recognition in the State of education and training awards made by those bodies and also facilitate recognition outside the State of education and training awards made in the State.

There are also European Union directives on the general system for the recognition of higher education diplomas and professional education and training, which apply to all member states.