Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 December 2025
256. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the position regarding any engagement he has had with the English language education sector in relation to proposed changes in visa regulations for those seeking to temporarily reside in Ireland under related visas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70500/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra257. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if his attention has been drawn to the concerns in the English language education sector in relation to proposed changes in visa regulations for those seeking to temporarily reside in Ireland under related visas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70501/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 256 and 257 together.
The Programme for Government 2025 contains a commitment to publish a National Migration and Integration Strategy detailing how we intend to meet the demands and the opportunities facing Ireland’s society and economy over the next decade. My Department is working with other Government departments to develop this strategy with the aim to publish Ireland’s first overarching whole-of-government National Migration and Integration Strategy in 2026.
As part of this strategic approach, I am reviewing the area of student permissions, with a particular focus on English Language students. This work is aimed at ensuring that the system remains robust and rules-based, supports high-quality education providers, and continues to offer a positive experience for genuine students coming to Ireland.
Ireland welcomes international students who wish to travel here in order to pursue a course of study, thereby providing economic and other benefits to Ireland, as well of course as to the students themselves.
At Government level, the administration and management of international student programmes is within the remit of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS), with my Department having responsibility for visa and related residency policies.
I have met recently with the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS), James Lawless, to discuss this work and explore how our departments can continue to collaborate effectively on this work.
I hope to bring forward proposals in this area in the coming months.
