Legislative Measures

Wednesday, 18 September 2024

Questions (842)

Marian Harkin

Question:

842. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will consider amending education legislation, similar to the amendment to the Education (Fees and Student Support) (Scotland) legislation, which would allow female Afghani nationals, who were attending a course of study at a university or equivalent institution in Afghanistan, but have been prevented from continuing that course by the Taliban regime since 31 August 2021, in order that they could continue their education in Ireland. [36152/24]

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Written answers

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

I am aware of the very challenging context for female Afghani students.

To avail of funding under the Free Fees Initiative (FFI) or the Student Grant Scheme, students must meet the criteria of the respective schemes including the residency and nationality criteria. All students, including Irish Nationals or persons granted International Protection are required to meet the residency criteria of the respective schemes.

Notwithstanding this, Higher Education Institutions are autonomous bodies and in this regard it is a matter for the HEIs themselves to determine their admissions and fees policies. This includes setting the criteria a student must meet to avail of the EU rate of fees in the respective institution.

While this Department does not have a specific scheme to support students from Afghanistan, I am aware that a number of Irish Universities are responding to requests from students as part of the Scholars at Risk Programme and Sanctuary Programmes.