Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 March 2022
568. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if the review and update of the International Education Strategy for Ireland recognising the importance of overseas students and academics to the higher education sector as outlined in the Programme for Government has begun; when the review is expected to be completed and published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11754/22]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that a commitment to a review and update of Ireland’s previous international education strategy, Irish Educated Globally Connected, was contained in the Programme for Government.
In advance of drafting a new strategy, it was decided to commission an independent review of the preceding one. Indecon Economic Consultants, based on detailed engagements with stakeholders, concluded that the strategy has been extremely effective in achieving its overall objective. The review also comprised a full cost-benefit analysis on the value of international education to Ireland’s economy, quantifying it at €2.38 billion.
The next strategy will be a high-level document setting ambitious yet achievable strategic goals and objectives to 2025. As all sectors involved in international activities were deeply impacted by the pandemic, the new strategy will play a key role in the recovery of Ireland’s international education, research and innovation sectors, and will provide a framework on which to develop and strengthen existing and new relationships.
The establishment of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science offers the opportunity to bring the international education strategy and the research and innovation strategy together in an aligned framework. This, complemented by the Indecon Review and wider public policy developments, provide the basis for the key drivers informing the new strategy.
In February, my Department launched a consultation process to inform the next iteration of its International Education, Research and Innovation (ERI) Strategy. The Indecon review was published alongside the consultation paper.
The consultation process remains open until 23 March and I would encourage all interested parties to engage constructively in the process. I want to see build on the success of the previous strategy, developing existing and forging new links between our educational providers, business and the research community with a view to improving the experience of all stakeholders including students and their learning experience.
Work on the strategy is ongoing and consideration and analysis of the outcome of the consultation will help inform the finalised report. It is envisaged that the new Strategy document will be completed later this year with publication to follow as soon as is practicable.
