Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 June 2015
10. Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Education and Skills her views on whether the new Cabinet-approved regulations on student immigration for English language courses will cause a reduction in the supply of available courses; if this will increase costs for immigrants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21889/15]
View answerThe ultimate objective of reform of the English Language Sector is to safeguard and improve the qualifications and the quality of the educational experience of international students who come to Ireland. One of the key reforms recently approved by Government to the student immigration system for international education is the removal of further education and vocational education and training programmes and degree programmes without Irish or EU accreditation, after a transitional period, from the list of eligible programmes for student immigration permission. Furthermore, only programmes from those English language providers who demonstrate that they operate to an acceptable standard will be included on the list from October 2015. While this is likely to have an impact on supply, the reforms are not intended to increase costs for international students. A number of specific measures are being introduced to protect international students including compulsory learner protection arrangements and a separate account facility to safeguard student advance payments.
