Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 July 2022
46. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide an update on the Department’s supports to assist Ukrainian people seeking access to third level education in the new academic year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36759/22]
View answerOn 21 June, I secured agreement from Government for a range of measures to help displaced students and researchers. These measures include a new temporary tuition fee scheme, an extension of eligibility to Springboard, a new bursary fund for those who wish to take SOLAS approved PLC courses and an extension of the Student Assistance Fund.
The European Commission have also indicated to Member States to be flexible in the use the national Erasmus grant. Officials of my Department are now working with the HEA, in its role as the National Agency for Erasmus for higher education, to put these supports in place. Finally, existing supports for mental health and well-being provision in the HEIs will be extended to include displaced students.
A Working Group on English Language for Academic Purposes (EAP) was set up under the auspices of the National Steering Group and this body is finalising a proposal to ensure displaced students entering into the Irish higher education sector have the requisite English language skills and qualifications necessary to participate in their chosen course.
My officials and I have been working proactively with the sector to facilitate the continued access to higher education of displaced students and researchers from Ukraine. I want to acknowledge the generosity of all those working in both further and higher education, who have assisted my Department to identify and respond to the needs of displaced students, researchers and staff.
