asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the Australian Government decided in 1986 to allow Australian educational institutions to develop and market full fee courses on a full cost recovery basis to overseas students; if she is in favour of such a system operating in this country; and if she will allow the institutions to retain any income thus derived without any reference to their subsequent entitlement to normal State supports.
Written Answers. - Fee Income from Overseas Students.
168.
It is the policy of my Department to encourage third-level institutions to attract overseas other than EC students on a full cost recovery basis subject to necessary safeguards in relation to the availability of places for Irish and EC students.
A working group comprising representatives of my Department, the Department of Finance, the Higher Education Authority and the Heads of universities is currently reviewing existing mechanisms and controls for university funding. The working group will address the question of fee income from overseas students in the course of its deliberations.