Michelle Mulherin (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Before I proceed to members, I have a couple of questions. Mr. Purser mentioned a memorandum of understanding regarding the common travel area and student and staff mobility. It does not currently have a basis in law in this country. Considering the current uncertainty, is this enough reassurance for members of the Irish Universities Association or do we need specific legislation to provide for the education and research sector in a no-deal scenario? I know Mr. Purser talks about the outstanding need for a memorandum of understanding with regard to the financial treatment of students. Likewise, I presume we will need some legislation once that is in place. On 31 October, what will happen to Irish students in Britain and British students here? What will happen to people getting grants in the event of a no-deal Brexit?

Mr. Purser has described how much science and research in the UK and Ireland seems to be worked on bilaterally rather than through EU programmes such as Horizon 2020. How does Mr. Purser envisage that Brexit could impact on bilateral Ireland-UK research programmes? Will Professor Ferguson describe the scope for Ireland to increase its collaboration with other European and international partners through European and bilateral programmes?