Ms Kathleen Moran:

I suppose they came here not knowing how long they would be here. Integration into the Irish education system is hugely important but the hope on arrival is that they will be returning home. Certainly, for those who are at a later stage in their education and who would be leading up to exams equivalent to our leaving certificate, Ukrainian teachers are providing online education to their students. Sometimes the teachers are still in Ukraine or they may be in another country, but the students dial in and follow that. It is very difficult for them because they start at 6 a.m. or 7 a.m. and that is followed by a full day in the Irish education system and then back to a sports hall or wherever they may be living oftentimes. It is very traumatic for them and we have to acknowledge and respect them for the efforts they are putting in. If the situation of living in Ireland becomes long term, I would say that will probably phase out for those children or there will be the introduction within Ireland of specific supports in the education system for them.