Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein)
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473. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if Ukrainian refugees may access the free fees initiative and SUSI grants should they wish to study at third level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35267/22]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I am pleased that, on 23 June, the Government agreed a range of measures I proposed to facilitate their attendance in Irish universities and colleges.

In this context, and with the need to respond quickly, I have secured agreement for the following schemes;

- A new temporary administrative Tuition Fee Scheme for those granted permission for protection under Section 60 of the International Protection Act 2015 and for Irish citizens who had been enrolled in Ukrainian Higher Education Institutions in the 2021/2022 academic year and have now returned to Ireland due to the conflict, to access publicly funded Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). 

- A one year administrative bursary scheme for qualified persons who attend SOLAS approved Post Leaving Certificate courses.

- Extension of eligibility for Qualified Persons to access the Springboard+ programme.

- Change the eligibility criteria for the Student Assistance Fund for the 2022/2023 academic year to include those who qualify for the new temporary administrative Tuition Fee Scheme.

It is also my intention to use the Erasmus Grant to fund financial supports for Qualified Persons who undertake full-time studies in HEIs and displaced staff, in accordance with statements from the EU Commission.

Throughout my engagement with the Ukrainian community, in addition to expressing their profound gratitude to Ireland, they have emphasised that their primary goal is to return to their homeland. In this regard, consideration is also being given to alternative forms of provision which could facilitate continued remote engagement with Ukrainian institutions. This may involve access to libraries and ICT facilities and other supports identified as the situation evolves. However, I can assure you that we will continue to address the educational needs of those displaced persons who have come to Ireland.