I propose to take Questions Nos. 563 and 564 together.
I can advise the Deputy that 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.
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 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.
An elected sabbatical officer role, where it is a full-time position which requires the student to take a year or more out from their study, would not comply with the conditions attached to a Stamp 2 permission regarding employment. Since the person involved would not be enrolled as a student, they would also not meet the requirements for a Stamp 2 permission to be issued or renewed.
It remains open to higher education institutions to employ non-EEA students in elected sabbatical officer roles where the role complies with the conditions regarding employment of a Stamp 2 permission, and where the student can continue their studies while taking up the role.
