Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 November 2016
188. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding Northern Irish and British students enrolling in universities here; and if, post-Brexit, their current EU rate fee arrangements would apply. [37060/16]
View answer196. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if an amendment to the State's free fees initiative is envisaged to cater for Northern Ireland and UK students post-Brexit. [37166/16]
View answer208. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if students from Northern Ireland or Britain who apply to study a third-level course here in the next term will have their funding guaranteed as EU students for the duration of their course; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37322/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 188, 196 and 208 together.
The Government has published a contingency framework which maps the key issues that will be most important to Ireland arising from the UK's decision to leave the EU. It contains the key actions that will be taken to address the contingencies.
My Department participated fully in and contributed to the preparation of this framework for the education sector and has identified student flows as a priority area.
My Department is conscious of the resulting pressures that may fall on the Irish higher education system following the UK's decision to leave the EU. The Department will be liaising with all relevant parties, including the relevant education departments in the UK in relation to these pressures. These include issues with regard to the movement of students between this State and the UK, fees and student grant arrangements. The Higher Education Authority has also initiated discussion around the implications of BREXIT for the sector.
The Irish Universities Association has confirmed that all UK students currently enrolled in an Irish university will continue to enjoy the same conditions as other EU students regarding fees and contributions for the duration of their degree.
