Lower fees removes barrier for children of Irish emigrants

Children of Irish emigrants who have spent at least 5 years in an Irish primary or post primary school and whose families emigrated for economic or social reasons will now be eligible for lower higher education fees.  This will also apply similarly to other European citizens who have sent their children to school in Ireland or in the EU for the qualifying 5 year condition.

Senator Mary Moran said: “The difficulties within the Irish and broader world economy have caused many people to seek work and provide for their families elsewhere.  Unfortunately, a number of Irish families have been affected by the emigration of loved ones in recent years.

“This announcement by Minister Quinn removes a barrier for children of Irish emigrants who wish to return to Ireland and pursue higher education.  Under this new system, any Irish student who has spent 5 years in primary or post primary school will be charged the same rate as other EU nationals to study at undergraduate level.

“The new fee scheme is to be introduced for the 2014/2015 academic year with arrangements for this currently underway.  The implementation for the coming school year is very important for those young people living abroad as it now opens further options for their third level education.”