Ryan O'Meara (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)
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2488. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider extending SUSI student contribution fees to undergraduate students studying abroad in the UK/EU; if further consideration could be given in this regard to the fact that many of these students wish to return to Ireland and enter employment upon completion of their studies abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18595/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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Under the terms of the Student Grant Scheme, grant assistance is awarded to eligible students attending an approved course in an approved institution who meet the prescribed conditions of funding including those relating to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means.

Under the scheme students may be eligible for a grant towards the costs of the student contribution payable by Free Fees Initiative eligible students attending an approved free fees course in the State.

In considering the matters raised it is important to note that Free Fees Initiative does not apply to any courses outside the State.

Student contribution grants under the Student Grant Scheme exist exclusively to assist students in paying the student contribution that applies under the Free Fees Initiative. In this regard it is not possible for student contribution grants, available under the Student Grant Scheme, to apply where students are not eligible for the Free Fees Initiative.