International Students

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 July 2021

Tuesday, 27 July 2021

Questions (1283)

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor

Question:

1283. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of students from the UK coming to Ireland to receive some or all of their education; if their rights and entitlements associated with the Common Travel Area continue after Brexit; if host families are to be able to treat them as they would EU students as has been the case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40367/21]

Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

On 14 July, along with the Minster for Education, I signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the UK Secretary of State, confirming, inter alia, that UK higher education students in Ireland would be treated the same as Irish students for the purposes of fees. In addition, they would be eligible to apply for SUSI grants, which has been confirmed by a recent amendment to the Student Support Act, 2011.

With regard to rights outside of education, such arrangements have been similarly covered by Memoranda of Understanding dealing with general arrangements, as well as specific ones in the areas of social security and health.