Source: The Irish Times
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2010/0227/1224265276990.html
Islamic students make a “very positive contribution” to Irish society and its economy, according to President McAleese.
She said: “They are helping to advance the frontiers of science, medicine and research – it is their encouraging experience of Ireland that helps our higher education institutions compete for students and recognition in this globalised world.”
The President was speaking at a ceremony in Dublin to mark the ending of Islamic Awareness Week at the Royal College of Surgeons. She told her audience that “historically Ireland’s links with the world of Islam have been relatively modest.
“They have largely been forged by Muslim students from many countries who paid us the compliment of undertaking their academic and professional studies here. They have proved to be wonderful ambassadors not just for their countries, faith and culture but for Ireland for wherever they have gone in the world they have spoken well of us, opened doors to us and become voluntary advocates for Ireland.”