24.08.26
“IUA universities have shared this country’s horror at the appalling crisis in Gaza and its human implications, not least on young people.
For that reason, we have strongly supported, and willingly participate in, all relevant schemes, not least the Irish Government’s own Ireland-Palestine Scholarship Programme, as part of exceptional efforts by individuals and institutions across the tertiary sector.
When the higher than previously observed levels of rejections of visas for students from Gaza first became apparent earlier this summer, we immediately approached government to express our concern and to seek clarification. In the light of responses received, we continue to engage at Ministerial and senior official level, across a number of Departments, given the importance of a whole of government approach.
We will remain closely engaged, including across all the universities involved, given our shared goal to ensure that students from Gaza, who have suffered so much, can be supported to advance their education in Ireland and, ultimately, to contribute to a peaceful and prosperous future for the Palestinian people.”
Paul Johnston, Director General, Irish Universities Association
Ends.
IUA is the representative body for DCU, Maynooth University, TCD, University of Galway, UCC, UCD and UL.