Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Mullen for his questions. I acknowledge the correspondence from the committee and, from my recollection, the fact the Senator raised this matter again in Seanad yesterday. I certainly read comments about that yesterday evening. I would make a few points. Regarding the specific institutions referenced in the correspondence, I have been in touch, through my Department, with the three universities. The presidents of those universities have confirmed to me this issue will be raised at their next governing authority meeting. My intention was to then send the committee the correspondence I receive from universities, which might allow the committee to decide in its deliberations what actions it wishes to take. I should add that national policy is supportive of educational engagement with China and other partner countries, but there is also a strong commitment to ethical internalisation. At a national level, Ireland places significant importance on our educational relationship with other partner countries, including China. Our national strategy identifies a range of benefits from international collaboration for a small globalised economy such as Ireland. These partnerships create links and relationships for Ireland and for many partners at individual, institutional and country level that will bring further engagement and economic activity into the future. There is also significant benefit for international students who come to Ireland or who study in institutions with a strong Irish connection. This engagement is particularly important in building relationships with countries like China where we do not have strong historical diaspora relationships. I should advise the committee and Senator Mullen that I plan to develop a new international education strategy and to publish a review of the existing international education strategy. I hope to bring both proposals to Cabinet probably within the next month. Of course, I would be very happy to engage with this committee. However, in terms of next steps, I have referred the three specific matters raised by Senator Mullen and the committee to the presidents of those universities and I am awaiting replies from their governing authorities, which I will share in full with the committee.