Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 24 September 2014

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Social Protection

Vote 26 - Update on Pre-Budget and Policy Issues: Minister for Education and Skills

2:40 pm

Deputy Damian English:

No, it has not been raised with me directly. A policy change in this area was announced some weeks ago. There was a major effort on behalf of the Department to repair the reputation and to keep our reputation intact. This area lends a major boost to our economy and there is a great deal of employment in it. The spend coming into this country through the sector is important and one we want to build on. The Minister and I will be travelling to Asia in the coming months to increase the demand and to win more business for the education sector. It is a major area and therefore any policy changes should reflect and ensure that our reputation is intact. We can engage with whoever has concerns.