Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 January 2022
469. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department is currently undertaking a review of student mobility on the island of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3468/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have been concerned at the pattern of student flows between Ireland and Northern Ireland, particularly in recent times. While the Memorandum of Understanding on Education Principles under the Common Travel Area has provided a framework to facilitate mobility, through the maintenance of current fee structures and access to student finance, I would like to see the trends in both directions increase.
However, while the statistics from the Higher Education Authority (HEA) and the UK Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) can provide the data associated with such patterns, I am of the view that a more detailed study is required to build evidence in terms of student choice of institution and programme of study, not just on a North-South basis, but also on an East-West basis. My officials are working with their counterparts in the Department of Education in London to see if this proposal can be progressed.
