Equality in education - Remove this fee anomaly

Nearly every family in this country frets that a son or a daughter, a nephew or a niece, or even a neighbour’s child, will get whatever opportunities they need to build a new life in a foreign country.

We all expect that, when Irish emigrants become parents abroad, these children, first generation Irish emigrants, will enjoy whatever educational opportunities the country of their birth can offer.

Yet, we do not honour that principle by ensuring that the children of migrants to Ireland can so benefit. Up to 700 students, the children of non-EU nationals living and working here legally, face impossible college fees this autumn unless this anomaly is resolved. This barrier must be removed and these students must have the same educational options as their Irish classmates.