Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 March 2021
445. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the Ireland Fellows Programme for 2021; the way it has been adapted in the wake of Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13360/21]
View answerEach year the Department of Foreign Affairs' Ireland Fellows Programme offers promising individuals from ODA-eligible partner countries opportunities to study for a master’s qualification at an Irish University or Institute of Technology. The programme is intended to nurture future leaders; to develop in-country capacity to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals; and to build positive relationships with Ireland. The award covers course fees, accommodation, living costs, and flights.
The Ireland Fellows Programme has operated since 1974, bringing students from African partner countries and, since 2009, from Vietnam. Following a decision to expand the programme in 2019-20 it was enlarged to include students from the occupied Palestinian Territories, and in 2020-2021, from Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
There are presently 120 Fellows in Ireland, studying at 15 Higher Education Institutions. As is the case with all other students in Ireland, their higher education experience has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with classes, seminars and other group activities having moved on line. The Ireland Fellows Programme is managed on a day-to-day basis by the Irish Council for International Students (ICOS). Officials from this Department are working closely with ICOS and the HEIs to monitor the Fellows' welfare and ensure their Irish experience is as positive as possible.
