Vol. 530 No. 6
363 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the general criteria used when deciding whether to grant study visas to people coming here to further their education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4636/01]
The general immigration requirements in respect of non-EEA nationals who wish to reside in Ireland in order to study are that the persons in question should have enrolled in a full-time course of privately funded education, should have paid fees in full for that course and should have evidence of sufficient funds to maintain themselves during their stay.
In response to submissions from representatives of the English language school sector, my Department produced a set of detailed student visa guidelines. These have been circulated to relevant education institutions and are also readily available from Irish embassies abroad and on my Department's website. The purpose of these guidelines is to assist schools and colleges, particularly those providing English language teaching, who require more specific information than the general criteria described above. I am forwarding a copy of these guidelines to the Deputy.
