Eric J. Byrne
Question:265. Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will clarify a situation regarding tuition fees (details supplied) [3016/13]
View answerTuesday, 22 January 2013
Questions (265)
Written answers
The position is that Directive 2004/38/EC of the European Parliament specifies the right of citizens of the Union and their family members to move and reside freely within the territory of the Member States. Such persons are entitled to have access to education and training in the State in the like manner and to the like extent in all respects as Irish citizens. Therefore the family members of other Union Citizens lawfully resident in this state are entitled to free tuition fees on the same basis as Irish citizens. This Directive does not infer any rights on the non-EU family members of the host members own nationals who remain in their home state. The category of persons to whom this Directive applies are granted "Stamp4EUFAM" by the Department of Justice and Equality. Therefore holders of such stamps are entitled to be considered for free tuition fee where they meet the terms of the scheme. The person to whom the Deputy refers does not qualify under this Directive and therefore does not meet the terms of the free fees scheme.