Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Yes, it is an important point. It will be paid for in the same way that an Erasmus+ student is paid. They will be Erasmus+ students for all intents and purposes. Support is paid for through the Erasmus+ office in any given higher education instruction. We have to update the Government and subject to the Government decision, we will make this information available through the helpline. I want students to know - and I want public representatives to know for their for own work - that any Ukrainian student at any level in higher education, undergraduate or postgraduate, will qualify to be registered as an Erasmus+ student. That position is not unique to Ireland. It is a good proposal and it has been agreed at a European level. The funding will come through the Erasmus+ programme. We have been asked through the European Commissioner that the money that was due to have been spent later in the programme, in 2027 or so, will be front-loaded to earlier. I think that is sensible. That is how it will be funded, so that it does not place an additional financial strain.

If this information is of use to the Deputy, it just so happens that the Erasmus+ payment is almost identical, if not slightly higher, than that of a SUSI payment. It is therefore quite a good fit. It also shows European solidarity, which is important.