Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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104. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if Irish universities are involved in research projects or alliances with Ukrainian universities; if these have been impacted by the Russian invasion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12750/22]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I want to start by reiterating the Government’s utter condemnation of Russia’s actions in Ukraine as illegal and immoral.  Across Government we are examining the actions that need to be taken to support people affected by this aggression, including students and researchers. 

I discussed these issues, including the overall EU response, when I met Commissioner Gabriel in Dublin last week.  I have also engaged, together with the Minister for Justice, with the Union of Students in Ireland on issues affecting students. I also had the opportunity to meet, along with the Taoiseach, a number of Ukrainian students In Trinity College to hear first hand of their concerns.

With respect to the impact on research, my Department does not maintain a central register of research projects, given that autonomous higher education institutions drive their own research agenda and international collaborations. In terms of funding agencies under my Department’s aegis, Science Foundation Ireland is aware of four academic collaborations involving Ukraine, but there is no assessment yet on what the impact of the conflict is on this work.  The Irish Research Council funds individual researchers and does not have information on institutional-level collaborations between Irish and Ukrainian higher education institutions.

My Department is continuing to engage closely with our agencies and stakeholders including the IUA and THEA to monitor developments and work through any issues as they arise.