Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for coming before us this evening. He was very comprehensive in his account of the services and supports available to Ukrainian students. I was somewhat heartened to hear about the mental health supports he has announced, although the details are yet to be agreed. In particular, the psychological supports he very briefly referenced will be key to ensuring that students from Ukraine have the opportunity to complete their studies.

The Minister referenced online learning with regard to entrance examinations for third level for Ukrainian students in Ireland. It is fantastic to know that the Ukrainian authorities are in a position to facilitate that. Will there be academic supports available for those students in Ireland? Online learning is obviously one component. Will academic supports be made available to students who are continuing their studies online, perhaps through the ETB supports the Minister mentioned?

The Minister touched on transport needs. Perhaps he might like to provide a little more information. What supports are being provided for students who are accommodated in a facility in or around a major city while attending a university or third level institution and by what means? The Minister has not actually provided the number of third level students. He might do so. Are there already students enrolled or is that something we can expect in September and thereafter?

The Minister mentioned the assistance with student accommodation. If these students are being treated like Irish students and their families are being accommodated in hotels or reception facilities, they will clearly need transport or student accommodation. Will the Minister drill into that a wee bit?

My final point is on the recognition of qualifications and what I would refer to as language support or additional support in the classroom at primary and secondary level, although that might not be the right term at third level. The Minister referenced the importance of English language training and additional modules of education for those wishing to enter the Irish workforce. Is it the intention of the Department or the universities and third level institutions to absorb academic teachers and third level lecturers into the third level system to support students? There are 6,000 primary and secondary students. I believe 1,500 are secondary students. I did not quite catch the total number but I believe three are doing the leaving certificate. It is absolutely amazing that they would do that after only a few weeks in Ireland. What will happen to them and what supports will be made available if they enter third level education given the precarious or temporary nature of their accommodation? Will the Minister respond to those questions?