Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 April 2026
1295. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he visited University of Sydney during his visit to Australia for the recent St. Patrick's Day. [30010/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraDue a busy programme focused on Irish diaspora and major political engagements, Minister Lawless did not have the opportunity to visit Sydney University on his recent St Patrick's Day trip to Australia.
However, while in Sydney, Minister Lawless engaged in several political meetings, including with his counterparts, Minister Anoulack Chanthivong MP, Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology and Minister Steve Whan MP, Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education.
He visited the offices of Irish company Stripe where he met with their Australian and New Zealand managing director.
He also sat on an advisory panel for Enterprise Ireland (EI) where he heard business concepts from several EI client companies.
The Minister has also sought to address that Australia is notably absent from the current DFHERIS scholarship portfolio, despite representing one of the most significant Irish diaspora communities in the world. Following an announcement in Australia, the Minister will shortly bring a proposal to Government to reserve five ringfenced annual places for high-calibre students from Australia who wish to pursue postgraduate study in Ireland. This scheme will be piloted for three years.
