Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 March 2026
681. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if his Department intends to consult with the further education sector prior to making any policy changes in relation to international language students and stamp 2 permissions. [17056/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government contains a commitment to publish a National Migration and Integration Strategy detailing how the Government intends to meet the demands and opportunities facing Ireland’s society and economy over the next decade. My Department is currently working with other Government Departments to develop this strategy with the aim to publish it later this year.
As part of this strategic approach, I am reviewing the area of student permissions, including with regard to English Language students. This work is aimed at ensuring that the system remains 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, with my Department having responsibility for visa and related residency policies.
Minister O'Callaghan and I have met with the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless, to discuss this work and explore how the two departments can continue to collaborate effectively on this work. My Department will consider its engagement with the English Language sector once more detailed proposals are developed.
