Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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220. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the fact Irish third level students who were studying in Ukraine have had to transfer to courses in other European Union member states and the students were not offered places in Ireland to complete their course; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47641/22]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February, I have been unwavering in my support to enable Irish students who studies were interrupted to continue with their education. Irish Medical Schools are ready and willing to facilitate Ukrainian Medical Schools as may be required with student evaluation and assessment or other supports. Such arrangements are however dependent on appropriate engagement with Ukrainian Medical Schools. While extensive efforts to establish relationships with Ukrainian Medical Schools have to date been unsuccessful, my officials are continuing in their efforts to make contact. Additionally, Ukrainian medical schools have made arrangements for international students to take their clinical placements in a number of third countries where they have academic medical links. My officials are engaging with colleagues in the Department of Health to see what flexibility, if any, can be provided within the Irish Health system. The vast majority of Irish students in Ukraine were studying Medicine or Dentistry and my Department has been in communication with them, both as a representative group and individually.