Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 September 2021
156. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the person or body which determines whether graduation ceremonies will be held in person or online; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45565/21]
View answerFollowing Government approval, I published A Safe Return: Plan for a safe return to on-site Further and Higher Education and Research in 2021/22 on June 15th. The Safe Return Plan can be accessed at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/bcd91-a-safe-return-to-on-site-further-and-higher-education-and-research/
The plan, which emerged following extensive discussions between university representatives, public health and other relevant stakeholders, provided a framework for higher education institutions to proceed with planning for a return to onsite campus learning that would be in line with public health guidance. In that context, institutions and providers are currently progressing with their own detailed planning and work for a comprehensive return to on-site activity. At a minimum, on-site activity next year will include laboratory teaching and learning, classroom based teaching and learning, tutorials, workshops, smaller lectures, research, return to work-spaces and access to libraries with appropriate protective measures in place. As part of the safe return to on-site learning, other on campus non-educational activities and facilities such as sports, bars, canteens, clubs and societies will operate in line with prevailing general public health advice for those activities.
Higher education institutions are autonomous bodies, and the way in which the Plan will be implemented will vary from institution to institution. However, I do hope students can be accommodated by institutions for in person graduations in line with public health advice.
