Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 March 2022
724. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of students’ studies that have been directly disrupted by the war in Ukraine; and the status of his Department’s work on their behalf to ensure that they are in a position to complete their studies having fled from Ukraine. [14717/22]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that as many Ukrainian refugees arriving in Ireland traumatised, the Government's priority is to provide sanctuary and immediate supports such as food and housing. Therefore, only limited data is gathered by the Irish Visa Authorities, and as such, there is no available data on the number of students arriving in Ireland. However, through engagements between officials from my Department and higher education representative associations, I understand a number of Ukrainian students have approached Irish universities and institutes of technology directly seeking to continue their studies.
I am also aware of approximately 50 Irish students, who were studying Medicine and Dentistry in Ukraine and whose studies have been disrupted as a result of the invasion. Officials from my Department have been in touch with them to establish certain baseline data including the status of their studies. A key element of any process to facilitate the continuity of their studies will be to understand the alignment of the students’ Ukrainian programme with the Irish system of medical and dentistry education, along with other issues arising regarding accreditation by the professional bodies.
In line with the overall Government position, my Department and agencies will work together to support Ukrainian and Irish students, whose studies have been affected by the invasion. I am working closely with the higher education sector to see what can be done to support them and facilitate the continuity of their studies. This work is ongoing.
