Ireland's Deputy PM meets Abu Dhabi students in Dublin

Dublin - July 24, 2011 (WAM) - Ireland's Deputy Prime Minister (Tanaiste) and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr. Eamon Gilmore T.D., met with a group of female Emirati students in Dublin, Ireland this afternoon. The Emirati students are currently studying English in Ireland as part of the annual Summer Abroad Program run by the Abu Dhabi Education Council.
In total there are 140 Emirati students studying in Ireland this summer on the Summer Abroad Programme. Half the students are studying in Dublin and the remainder in Cork. The programme operates under the patronage of His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.
Mr. Gilmore welcomed the students to Ireland and noted the value Ireland attaches to being chosen again as a destination by the Abu Dhabi Education Council for the Summer Abroad Programme.
"We are honoured that the Abu Dhabi Education Council again chose Ireland as one of its main destinations for the summer scholarship scheme. Ireland intends to continue to provide Emirati students top class education in a safe, secure and comfortable setting." Mr. Gilmore also spoke about the quality of Irish education, saying: "Ireland has a long and successful history in providing high class education at all levels. We hope that the students in Ireland currently will take this opportunity to learn about the wide range of courses offered here, and consider Irish universities and colleges when deciding where to continue their studies at third-level." The Emirati students made a presentation to Mr. Gilmore on the UAE and presented him with a small UAE gift. - Emirates News Agency, WAM