Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
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1217. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if Ukraine refugees are subject to non-EU college fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20810/22]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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In line with the European Council Decision of 4 March, the Government is applying the rights afforded under the International Protection Act, 2015 to:

(a) Ukrainian nationals residing in the Ukraine before 24 February 2022;

(b) Third Country Nationals who were permanently residing in Ukraine before 24 February 2022;

(c) Stateless persons, and nationals of third countries other than the Ukraine, who benefited from international protection or equivalent national protection in Ukraine before 24 February, 2022; and,

(d) Family members of the persons referred to in (a) and (b).

Section 60 of the International Protection Act 2015 confers rights, including access to education, to qualified persons on the same basis as citizens of Ireland.

Therefore, it follows that they will not be subject to non-EU fees for those wishing to access higher education.