Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

-----but I am very supportive of this Bill.

I refer to Education in Ireland’s International Students in Higher Education 2011-2012, which states that the number of international students registered in Irish higher education institutions was comparatively stable for that period, at approximately 32,000. This is a substantial number of students but we should consider how this number can be increased.

There is great potential to develop this market further and to increase the number of students. However, we must take care to be respectful of these students. They must not be exploited as has happened in recent cases involving so-called international language colleges where they were treated very badly and disgracefully. Not only did these institutions let down the students and their families but they also let this country down. It is appropriate to state this fact in the debate. This Bill is to provide for quality education for international students who come to this country. The exploitation of students should never be an option.

In order to support the internationalisation of higher education in the State, the Bill makes provision to allow certain education providers to apply to the Minster for Education and Skills for authorisation to be described outside the State as a university for specified purposes. The Bill also allows the Minister to refuse access to certain specified information, exempting schools run by education and training boards from freedom of information law.

In 2011, the most recent year for which figures are available, almost 4.3 million students were enrolled at institutions outside their country of citizenship. Europe was the top destination for students studying outside their country of origin. European institutions hosted 48% of all these students while in comparison, North American institutions hosted 21%.

In order to support internationalisation of higher education in the State, pursuant to section 2 of the Bill, certain education providers can apply to the Minister for Education and Skills for authorisation to be described as a university outside the State for specified purposes. In her opening contribution the Minister described the main purpose of the Bill as being to provide for the authorisation of the description of "university" by a high quality education provider. This is a positive provision. Irish universities enjoy great international respect and we should not allow this reputation to be undermined. Ireland was once known as the island of saints and scholars and it is a reputation we should develop further. High profile educationalists, academics and researchers have given this country a good name. The brand names of Trinity College, UCD, UL and other institutions, are well-known internationally. It is important to emphasise that Ireland is a high quality provider. We should never allow our reputation to slide.

Section 8 of the Bill proposes an amendment to the Student Support Act 2011, to ensure a basis for the Minister to prescribe post-leaving certificate, PLC, courses for the purposes of the student grant scheme. The Minister proposes to amend the Education Act 1998, to provide for refusal of access to specified information that would enable the compilation of comparative information on relative school performances in terms of their students' academic achievement. This deals with the controversial issue of league tables.

As I stated earlier, according to Education in Ireland’s International Students in Higher Education 2011-2012, the number of international students registered in Irish higher education institutions was comparatively stable for that period, at around 32,000, an increase of around 2% over the previous year’s figures. The survey also outlines the following information on international students in Ireland during the period 2011 to 2012. Universities saw strong growth in their student numbers at 8% over the period, but there were declines in the institutes of technology, down 1% and in private colleges, down 22%. The number of doctoral students increased by 35%, accounting for 20% of Ireland’s international students, bringing Ireland’s performance in this area above international norms. Full-time degree student numbers increased by 6%. International students increased in all STEM fields - science, technology, engineering and maths. The best performing priority market was Malaysia, which saw 10% growth in student numbers. We should not forget the importance of mainstream academic learning.

The primary objective of the broader strategy is to enable Ireland to become internationally recognised and ranked as a world leader in the delivery of high quality education by providing students with a unique experience and long-term value. We give out about ourselves a lot but the vast majority of international students who come to Ireland really enjoy their experience, based on the quality of the third level institutions and also because of the dynamic culture and their host families. I agree there have been exceptions such as those colleges that shafted poor students and ripped off families. However, the vast majority of the students get on with their lives and are very positive and constructive in their views.

It is important that we maintain the high standards of education. The Minister and I have strong views on the proposed reform of the junior certificate. The Minister needs to be very careful with regard to standards and assessment. Internationalisation will be developed as a long-term and sustainable process, based on high quality and balanced engagement with international partners. The needs and interests of learners will be at the heart of the internationalisation process. The enhancement of Ireland’s performance will be based on collaborative effort, including the development of a shared national brand. We send trade missions to all parts of the world in an effort to create jobs and education plays a vital role in providing jobs. We can brand and sell our quality education internationally.

It could bring in money and resources, create jobs and sell the Irish brand internationally. The State's policies and actions should be consistent and supportive. There is huge potential for growth. We are focused on education and reform of the legislation, but there is also an economic and growth dimension to the topic. It is very important that we state this in the broader debate.

I welcome the broad thrust of the Bill and I will support it. Australia has the highest percentage of international students in its total higher education student population, at approximately 19.8%. In the Irish education system, 6.5% of all students are international students, which is below the OECD average of 6.9%. We should aim for 19.8% because there is huge potential to develop the education sector, create jobs and put Irish education on the international map.

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