05 May, 2015 - Department of Education and Skills Statement on International Education Reforms

The vast majority of private providers of English language training in the State operate to a high standard and are motivated by the desire to enable learners to reach their potential.  However, the recent closures of some private colleges have highlighted some concerning practices within certain parts of the sector.  Issues have arisen regarding the governance of a number of these colleges, with evidence of immigration abuse on the part of a minority of providers and students.  These practices can have very serious implications for students, genuinely arriving in Ireland to improve their English skills. It also has the potential to damage Ireland’s reputation as a quality destination for international students and cannot be allowed to continue.

The Department of Education and Skills has worked closely with the Department of Justice and Equality and other stakeholdersto assist and co-ordinate a sympathetic response through the Taskforceon Students Affected by the Closure of Private Colleges.

The two Departments have also produced a package of reforms to the student immigration system for international education whichwill be brought to Government for its approval in the next two weeks. These reforms will drive a restructuring in the sector which will improve the overall quality of offering to international students, improve protection for learners, enhance Ireland’s reputation and diminish negative impacts on the Irish labour market and social protection costs, strongly in line with the goals of Ireland’s international education strategy.

Ireland welcomes international students. We want to provide them with a high quality educational experience that will contribute to their personal and professional development. These reforms will be a fundamental element of our commitment to delivering that experience.

ENDS