Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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1034. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63823/22]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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In line with the European Council decision on 4 March 2022, the Government is applying the rights afforded under the International Protection Act, 2015 to qualified persons who arrive into Ireland from Ukraine. Section 60 of the Act confers the right to access the labour market, education, healthcare and social protection to qualified persons on the same basis as Irish citizens.

Since the outbreak of the war, my officials and I have made every effort to support Irish and Ukrainian students who had been studying medicine in Ukraine to continue of their medical education here in Ireland.  The response of the Deans of the Medical Schools in Ireland to treat displaced students as occasional students was delivered, mindful of their capacity and the highly complex regulatory framework.

While I understand the your constituent was disappointed not to secure a place on this programme, I understand that she wishes to pursue a Postgraduate course the coming academic year.  As provided under the International Protection Act, displaced persons will be treated on the same basis Irish citizens for the purposes as fees.  As autonomous bodies, the admission procedures including the assessment of any academic evidence to support applications, is a matter for each Higher Education Institution.  I advise that potential students should engage with the Admissions Officer of the preferred institution for more details advice on the Postgraduate Application process.