Third Level Fees

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 July 2021

Tuesday, 13 July 2021

Ceisteanna (523)

Joe O'Brien

Ceist:

523. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that many Irish prospective students at UK universities have not yet received clarity on their eligibility to access UK home fees and tuition fee loans from UK universities for the forthcoming academic year; if he has engaged with his counterpart in the UK Government to advocate that this is clarified for Irish students as soon as possible given the particular relationship Ireland has with the UK under the Common Travel Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37605/21]

Freagraí scríofa

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

The Common Travel Area provides that Irish students in the UK will be treated on the same basis as British students for the purposes of higher education fees.  I understand that a small number of UK higher education institutions have not updated this information on their websites, which has led to misunderstanding.  We will raise these issue with the UK authorities as part of our ongoing engagements.