Seanad Committee to meet Minister Harris to discuss post-Brexit implications for Higher Education relationship between Ireland and UK

The Committee of Senators will meet at 3pm in Committee Room 3 of Leinster House with the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to discuss:

• Erasmus programme access for students in Northern Ireland;
• Students from Northern Ireland availing of third level opportunities in the Republic of Ireland;
• Mutual recognition of education qualifications between the United Kingdom and the European Union; and
• Third level supports for Irish students in the United Kingdom.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Committee Cathaoirleach Senator Lisa Chambers said: “The Committee welcomes this opportunity to meet with Minister Harris. The Government has agreed to extend access to the Erasmus programme to students from Northern Ireland, but other important issues remain to be resolved, particularly mutual recognition of education qualifications between the EU and the UK. This is critical to enable people with qualifications from this state to work in Northern Ireland and Great Britain and people qualified in the North and Britain to work in Ireland.

“Members are also interested in examining how we attract more students from Northern Ireland to study south of the border, as well as ensuring that Irish students studying in the UK can avail of financial supports. The Committee looks forward to discussing these and other matters with the Minister.”

The meeting in Committee Room 3 can be viewed live on Oireachtas TV.

Committee proceedings can also be viewed on the move, through the Houses of the Oireachtas Smartphone App, available for Apple and Android devices.