Bríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance) | Oireachtas source

It has been brought to my attention that at least 11 students from Gaza are on a scholarship programme here through the Irish Council for International Students-Department of Foreign Affairs Irish Aid programme. Academics have confirmed to me that those students have been written to and told they either have go back to where they came from or go somewhere else, while students on similar scholarships from other parts of the world are allowed to stay two years after they finish their studies in the capacity of getting work experience in what they studied. Why are we sending students from Gaza back to carnage or somewhere else? In those circumstances, why does the Government not relent and allow these students to stay? Given we are flying flags and recognising the State of Palestine, the very least we could do is extend a little compassion to those 11, if not more, students. Academics, students and admin people are furious such students are being treated in this way. Will the Government please relent and allow them to stay?

See this speech in context