Mr. Keith Moynes:

It is an interesting question. In principle, I agree it makes sense to have as smooth an operating environment for learners as possible. Those going to Canada to study the English language are not allowed to work. Canada allows people to work if they are studying for a degree programme. I looked at last week's committee meeting and found it interesting. The chances are that those just coming to study English will not be allowed to work. Each model has something different. In principle, it absolutely makes sense that we should make it as smooth as possible for people to come here. There will be considerable engagement with other Departments to try to make the experience as smooth as possible. That manifests itself with the Department of Justice for visa applications, re-entry permissions, etc. A continual engagement takes place.

The numbers are big. A figure of 120,000-odd was referenced. Many of those are EU students. There are administrative constraints that come with that. We always want to be slightly careful. With, say, the Department of Social Protection public services card there are legitimate reasons for people being expected to turn up in person to validate their identity. In the past, there were far more public service cards than there were people.

There is a balance to be struck between making it smooth for the student and protecting the integrity of State services. I would not want to mislead the committee by saying this is something we have done but, broadly speaking, as we improve the quality of the sectors and the State's assurance of that quality, that stuff gets easier. Many of the regulations at the moment are premised on the idea we have to have compliance, which may or may not be there. As the sector matures, it will undoubtedly be easier for the State to provide services because it will have the assurance there are fewer operators trying to game the system.