Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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1212. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will clarify the situation in relation to access to the free tuition scheme for Ukrainian refugees in Ireland and whether they will be entitled to apply for grant-aid via the SUSI system. [30949/22]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The Government is steadfast in its condemnation of Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine.

As Minister, I am determined that those fleeing the war will receive comprehensive and compassionate support to allow them to continue their education here and my officials have been working proactively with the higher education sector to facilitate this. I must acknowledge the generosity of those working in the sector, who are assisting my Department to identify and respond to the needs of displaced students and staff.

Qualified persons under Section 60 of the International Protection Act 2015 are entitled to be treated on the same basis as citizens of the host country. However, I have tasked my officials to develop a further suite of supports, and I hope to bring these initiatives to Government for decision shortly.