The Government’s consistent position is that Russia’s war in Ukraine is illegal, immoral and unjustified. Ireland supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and is committed to playing its part in responding to all those, including students who have been affected by the war.
I am determined that Irish and Ukrainian students who have fled the war in Ukraine, will be given comprehensive and compassionate support through these difficult times and I believe it is essential that their access to education is maintained.
Since this situation arose, officials from my Department have met with the Deans of the Medical Schools in Ireland on a number of occasions. As a result of these meetings, the Deans are undertaking an assessment of the programmes in the medical schools in Ukraine. The Deputy will understand that there are complexities involved with these area of study (medicine and dentistry) and work is ongoing to reconcile the different practices and approaches to medical education between the Irish and Ukrainian systems, including issues arising regarding accreditation by the professional bodies. This takes time but the exercise being undertaken by the Deans will enable us to see how best we can facilitate these students in continuing with their education in Ireland.
It is important to note that entry to higher education in a matter for the education institutions involved. I am confident that the Deans of the Medical Schools are treating this situation in a manner which respects the context of all those involved, and I will await the outcome of this complex process before commenting further.
The Deputy will also note that, on 4th May, I launched a National Student and Researcher (NSR) Helpdesk, which serves as a single national point of contact for all those students, Irish and Ukrainian, who have fled the war in Ukraine and looking to access higher education here. This helpdesk will provide information and direct students to third level institutions, and researcher positions equipped to meet their educational needs.
This is a key instrument in the response by my Department and the higher education sector to the needs of displaced students and researchers and I am grateful to the National Steering Group, which is chaired by officials from my Department and key education stakeholders for guiding this work.
Those displaced from Ukraine will find assistance and further information in relation to commencing or continuing their studies in Ireland by contacting the National Student and Researcher (NSR) Helpdesk by email at NSRHelpdesk@mu.ie or call +353 (0)1 474 7788.
