Sir, - The article by Professor Nicholas Rowe (The Irish Times, September 8th) was well informed. We are very aware of the numbers of Irish students who opt to study at third level in the UK. As Professor Rowe states, for many of them leaving home to study abroad is a huge step, giving rise to a whole host of feelings and emotions. His article is welcome since it acts as an indicator of the need to think through carefully all that is involved in emigrating and to take advice and counselling on it. I use the word emigrating deliberately, since far too many think of just going to England (as if you can only emigrate to the US or Australia).
This commission, in conjunction with the British Council and the Institute of Guidance Councillors, is planning a series of seminars throughout the country on third-level education and nursing in the UK. These will take place in November and will be advertised locally.
I congratulate the South Bank University on the structures it has put in place to enable its considerable numbers of Irish students to integrate into life there while retaining their Irish identity. I would add to that the name of Fr Nicholas Flynn, who has been seconded from the Diocese of Kerry and is beginning his first full year as chaplain. While having the welfare of all South Bank Students at heart, he has, naturally, a soft spot for the Irish. - Yours, etc.,
Irish Episcopal Commission for Emigrants, Parnell Square West, Dublin 1.