RANDERSON CALLS FOR THE ASSEMBLY TO RECOGNISE THE GURKHAS

3.02.49pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 23rd Oct 2007

Jenny Randerson, Liberal Democrat Assembly Member for Cardiff Central, today asked the First Minister of the Assembly to recognise the role of the Gurkhas and to refund them the costs of educating their student children.

The First Minister was not aware that their children are treated as international students and have to pay international student fees when attending further and higher education institutions.

Jenny said: "I have raised this issue with the Assembly's Minister for Education and, although negotiations are currently underway between three Whitehall Departments to try and resolve this issue, agreement to allow the children of these soldiers to have access to home student support was not reached for the start of this academic year.

"I have, therefore, asked the First Minister to refund them these costs and I am pleased that he is happy to investigate the matter and recognises the important role that they play in protecting our national and international security".