Vol. 568 No. 1
342 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason there is such a difference in college fees for EU nationals and non-EU nationals; the way in which the level of fees is determined; his plans to regulate the fee structure to enable more non-EU nationals to study here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15477/03]
359 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science the conditions under which non-EU nationals have to pay third level fees; if there are some circumstances in which non-EU nationals pay the EU level fee rather than the larger non-EU level fee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15605/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 342 and 359 together. The rate of tuition fee charged by individual third level institutions, where students are not eligible under the free fees initiative, is a matter for each institution to determine on an autonomous basis. The classification of a student as a EU or a non-EU applicant is a matter for each institution to determine in this regard.
I understand that the Conference Heads of Irish Universities has established a working group to examine the issues surrounding the criteria for determining eligibility status with a view to establishing a uniform approach in the university sector.
