Joanna Tuffy (Labour)

I support Senator Henry in terms of what she is asking the Minister of State to do. I understand his explanation that we must differentiate and we already do so because we charge much higher fees to overseas students. It goes without saying that the process could not be open-ended. However, Senator Henry is correct. My county council allows people with certain residency requirements to go on the housing list. These people are still discriminated against but they are at least allowed to apply and, in due course, they will have the opportunity of getting a local authority house. There is a need for something similar in respect of third level grants. If we allow people to stay here who do not necessarily apply for Irish citizenship, we should permit them to take up education and training. We should encourage them to do so because it would allow them to participate in our economy to the best of their ability. The Government should consider this matter and Senator Henry has given an indication of the way forward in that regard.