Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for the reply.

He outlined the number as approximately 32,000, which is up some 6,000 on the 2010 figures I had. Even if one only considers the revenue created from that number of students in 2010 was €900 million, no doubt this is an important factor, not only for the universities but for the Irish economy. International students stay on average between 20 and 25 weeks, and that is a boost to local economies.

I welcome all of the initiatives Deputy Cannon outlined in terms of Enterprise Ireland and the trade missions. It is something that we should not lose sight of. There should be a significant focus put on this up until 2015 to meet the targets which were set out last year. It is important not only for the universities in terms of the funding pressures they find themselves under and the advantages of bringing in international students, but also in helping local economies and local businesses.

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