Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 March 2022
94. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the engagement he has had with third-level education institutions regarding Ukrainian students enrolled in Ireland given the crisis in Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12749/22]
View answerIn the first instance I wish to re-iterate the Government position that Russia’s war is illegal, immoral and unjustified. Ireland’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity is unwavering.
However, we also recognize that the actions of the Russian state are no reflection on its people. I am determined that Russian and Ukrainian students studying in Ireland, as well as Irish students studying at third level institutions in Russia and Ukraine, are supported in these difficult times. From my own engagement, along with that of my Department's, we have been reassured that this is the case.
Futhermore, there are Irish students on mobilities under the Erasmus programme in Moscow State University, and should any of these students wish to return to Ireland, the EU Commission have indicated that additional costs may be met under its 'force majeure' clauses.
I am also aware of a group of over 30 Irish students who were studying Medicine and Dentistry in Ukraine whose studies have been disrupted as a result of the invasion. My Department is in contact with them with a view to, in the first instance, ascertaining their safety, and to see how they can be supported in continuing with their studies. A key element of this is to align the students’ programme with the Irish system of medical/ dentistry education. In this regard my Department is currently engaged with the Irish Universities Association (IUA).
I recently met with Commissioner Mariya Gabriel, who has responsibility for innovation, research, culture, education and youth when inter alia we discussed the situation in Ukraine. We agreed that it is essential that access to education is maintained, and I confirmed to the Commissioner that Ireland is ready to support any actions proposed by the Commission to make sure that remains the case.
