Liz McManus
Question:432 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Education and Science the entitlement Irish students have studying abroad in third level institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24883/01]
Written Answers. - Irish Students Abroad.
Liz McManus
Question:458 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Education and Science the entitlement Irish students studying abroad have in third level institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25007/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 432 and 458 together.
The Deputy's question relates to a recent ruling of the European Court of Justice which held that the provisions of the relevant Community directive, concerning non-discrimination and European citizenship, preclude entitlement to non-contributory social benefits from being made conditional on a criterion which need not be satisfied by nationals of the host member state in question. The ruling, which relates to the case of a French national studying in Belgium and his entitlement under the social welfare system of that country, appears to have implications for the social welfare systems in all EU member states. It is not possible, however, at this point to state what the implications are with regard to each individual state. The Court did point out that member states may require students wishing to benefit from the right of residence on their territory to declare that they have, in accordance with a community directive, sufficient resources for themselves and, in relevant cases, for their family, in order to avoid becoming a burden on the social assistance scheme of the host member state. The Court accepted, however, that a student's financial position may change with the passage of time for reasons beyond his/her control.
As regards supports available from my Department for Irish students studying in other EU member states, the student support schemes were extended to provide maintenance grants to undergraduate students pursuing approved third level courses in other EU member states. In general, the approved courses in other EU member states are full-time undergraduate courses of not less than two years' duration pursued in a university or third level institution, which is maintained or assisted by recurrent grants from public funds. There are however a number of excepted courses including those in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine and teacher training courses, including those leading to the award of Bachelor of Education. In order to qualify for grant assistance, a candidate must satisfy the relevant conditions of the student support schemes in regard to age, residence, means and nationality.