Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 June 2022
328. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the engagement that his Department has had with the relevant stakeholders in relation to the refugees arriving from Ukraine and the coordination of services, supports and resources which are presently being delivered in an ad-hoc manner by volunteers attempting to meet the needs of those fleeing the Russian invasion. [28547/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince the outbreak of the war in Ukraine I have tasked my officials with finding ways to facilitate the continued education of displaced Ukrainians coming to Ireland. I am determined these students will be given comprehensive and compassionate support.
I have been heartened to see this compassionate approach being widely reflected throughout Irish society through volunteer and other groups, and it it is important to commend their work. I wish to acknowledge the generosity of those working in the higher and further education sector, who have been assisting my Department to identify and respond to the needs of displaced students and staff.
The delivery of further and higher education supports to displaced Ukrainian persons is coordinated through the Education and Training Boards (ETBs) for the purposes of English Language supports and access to further education programmes, while higher education is coordinated the the recent establishment of the National Student and Research (NSR) helpdesk. The work of the latter is overseen by a National Steering Group, which is chaired by my Department and composed of experts from across the sector. This group, which meets weekly, sees my officials working proactively with the higher education sector to ensure alignment between our national policy and delivery of educational services on the ground.
In addition, at the request of the Ukrainian Ministry of Education, Ireland has committed to conducting the Ukrainian Higher Education Entrance Exams this summer for students looking to access higher education in Ukraine. As of 30 May, we are aware of 229 students that wish to take the undergraduate exam in Dublin in July this year. My officials are engaging with their counterparts in the Ukrainian Ministry and the members of the NSR Steering Group on how facilitate this.
My officials continue to monitor this complex and ever evolving situation. They, along with colleagues in further and higher education, are ready to put in place the necessary measures to ensure further and higher education opportunities are delivered in a structured and coordinated manner.
