Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 January 2026
785. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if a Stamp 2 English-language student is permitted to work as an English teacher, if he considers this compatible with the purpose of a student permission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4509/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt 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.
A new international education quality mark, TrustEd Ireland, is being introduced by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), an agency under the remit of DFHERIS. The TrustEd Ireland Mark will be awarded to higher education and English language education providers who have demonstrated that they meet new national standards to ensure a quality experience for international learners.
Providers must demonstrate compliance with an associated Code of Practice. The Code of Practice for the provision of English language education programmes to international learners sets out requirements relating to teacher qualifications. The Code specifies that all teaching staff must hold a major award at Level 7 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) or equivalent, and they must also have completed an English language teacher training/education programme leading to an award at a minimum of Level 6 on the NFQ or equivalent and validated by QQI, a national awarding body or an internationally recognised awarding body.
International students from outside the EU/EEA are granted a residence permission on Stamp 2 conditions where they have enrolled on, and commenced a course listed on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP), or eligible programmes offered by providers with authorisation to use the new TrustEd Education mark awarded by the QQI.
The primary purpose of the Stamp 2 is to provide opportunities for study in Ireland. All applicants must show that they have sufficient funds to support their stay in Ireland without recourse to public funds, or the reliance on casual employment. Stamp 2 holders may engage in casual employment for a maximum of 20 hours per week during school term and 40 hours per week during holidays.
