4172. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department is aware of administrative and visa delays affecting a cohort of ten Palestinian students due to take up funded sanctuary places at the University of Limerick this September; the engagement his Department has had with the Department of Justice to ensure these students can arrive early to settle and prepare; the supports being made available to the university to manage this process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54847/26]

I am extremely conscious of the devastating humanitarian situation in Palestine and, in particular, the significant impact the conflict has had on higher education system. I fully appreciate the commitment and dedication that Higher Education Institutions have demonstrated to supporting students and researchers from Palestine to study in Ireland.

As the Deputy will be aware, where an individual requires a visa to enter Ireland in any circumstance, they must apply to the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration which will review the application in accordance with Irish legislation and relevant administrative requirements. I therefore can’t comment on the specific cases outlined. Officials in my Department regularly engage with colleagues across relevant departments on issues associated with Palestinian students, including in relation to the granting of third level scholarships and visa requirements that arise in that context.