Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 June 2026
328. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science whether his Department has considered the position of international students elected to full-time sabbatical officer roles within recognised students' unions, particularly in relation to immigration permissions and employment eligibility. [48005/26]
View answer330. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science whether the Department recognises the significant role played by the international student cohort in Irish higher education, including their participation in institutional governance and representative structures. [48007/26]
View answer331. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science whether consideration has been given to issuing specific guidance or policy clarification for higher education institutions and students' unions in respect of elected student officers whose ability to serve may be affected by changes in immigration status during their term of office. [48009/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 328, 330 and 331 together.
I appreciate the significant role international students play within Ireland's higher and further education sector and commend their engagement in student life, including their participation in students’ union activities and representative bodies.
The issues raised relate primarily to the conditions attached to immigration permissions and the associated entitlement to undertake employment or other remunerated roles while residing in the State. Responsibility for immigration policy, including the administration and operation of student immigration and the associated rights to work in the State rests with the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration.
Accordingly, these specific matters fall outside the remit of my Department and would be more appropriately addressed to the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration.
My Department remains committed to supporting student engagement and representation across the tertiary education sector and works closely with higher education institutions and student representative bodies on matters relating to the student experience.
