Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister and Minister of State for coming in and for their presentations.

I raise similar points to those raised by Deputies Jan O'Sullivan and Thomas Byrne on fees for students from the North in the event of Brexit taking place on 29 March. The Minister's opening statement noted the increase in students from the North studying in institutions in the Republic. That figure only goes up to 2016; however in September there was a 20% decrease in similar applications for Trinity College Dublin. One would imagine that might be students and parents panicking due to the uncertainty of whether fees might increase this September or from September next year. Will the Minister give a definite commitment that fees for students from the North will remain the same?

How well equipped is SUSI to deal with this matter? From my own experiences, SUSI operates in a very regimented, black and white way, with very little wriggle room if different scenarios arise. It can be quite difficult to deal with and it can take a long time to get case information to it. The Minister is saying that people should not be affected but I can envisage SUSI telling them that their address states that they are outside of the eligible area. SUSI, with all respect, can be difficult to deal with and is likely to have those difficulties. How ready is it for this?