Visa Agreements

Thursday, 11 December 2025

Questions (375)

Conor Sheehan

Question:

375. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment his plans to apply the enhanced SME test to the English language education sector in relation to the stamp 2 visa changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70910/25]

View answer

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

In May 2024, Government introduced a package of supports for SMEs which included a commitment to ensure an enhanced SME Test will be applied to all new major policy initiatives or regulatory measures.

While the initial focus of the SME Test was on primary legislation, the enhanced SME Test must be applied to both primary and secondary legislation, new policies, and changes to regulatory compliance requirements that could potentially impact SMEs.

My department does not have responsibility for immigration permissions in the English language education sector, but works with other government departments to ensure application of the SME Test to legislation where there are potential impacts on SMEs.