Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I ask the Leader whether he would take on board the many issues surrounding Brexit. The one I wish to discuss today is the issue of third-level students and the Brexit vote. As everybody in this room knows, many students from all over Ireland, particularly from Border counties, attend universities both in Northern Ireland and the UK. There is a reciprocal arrangement for students from the UK and Northern Ireland who come here to the South of Ireland to go to college to study for their degrees or whatever. The outcome of the referendum could have a major impact on those students, particularly those from this jurisdiction who are heading either to the North of Ireland or to the UK to further their studies. It is an issue, among many others, I would add, that needs to be addressed and taken on board.This vacuum is causing many families concern.

During the negotiations, which are estimated to last two years, this will probably not be an immediate issue but it needs to be addressed. Students who sat their leaving certificates or are in the middle of courses are facing the uncertainty of not knowing whether their fees will increase in a couple of years' time. This issue affects a large number of students and it is essential that it be given priority during the negotiations between Britain, Ireland and the EU.

Regarding councillors' terms and conditions, I was a councillor for more than 15 years. It is important that the House speaks with one voice on this issue. Our ambition is to improve the terms and conditions of councillors. If we do not, we will find it difficult to get people to enter into local government at a time when we are encouraging many to do so.