Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 October 2020
583. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if correspondence was received from this Deputy on 23 September 2020 regarding a letter from international students in Ireland; and if a reply will issue shortly. [28899/20]
View answerHigher Education Institutions are autonomous bodies and are responsible for their own day-to-day management and operational affairs, including the management of academic affairs. They retain the right to determine their own policies and procedures including the matters you have raised. The determination of international status and level of fee payable is a matter for the relevant institution to determine in accordance with its own criteria.
Blended delivery is expected to play a key part of how providers will ensure continuity of education provision in the face of the Covid-19 restrictions. The determination, as to the total level of fees to be charged, is a matter for each institution in accordance with its own particular operational conditions and circumstances in ensuring quality education provision for students through this pandemic.
On 25th September intensified protective measures in third level were announced, in line with public health advice. This has meant that on-site activity will be minimised so long as these measures are in place. While I appreciate that this may be disappointing for students who had hoped to have as much time on campus as possible, these measures are necessary if the spread of the Coronavirus is to be halted.
These measures will be reviewed as the public health situation evolves, and I, my Department, and the Higher Education Institutions will continue to act in the best interests of students and staff.
