Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 148: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if, in the context of arrangements between her Department and the Government of China in relation to the promotion of English language teaching in the third level sector, there are opportunities for such programmes to be taught in the further education sector as referred to in correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11530/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The Education Co-operation Agreement between Ireland and China was signed in Beijing in February 2001. The overall objective of the agreement is to promote and encourage co-operation in education between Ireland and China on the basis of equality, mutual benefit and reciprocity and to strengthen existing education links with China. It provides a formal framework in which co-operation arrangements can be developed between the two countries.

The agreement plays a key role in strengthening educational links between the two countries. These links include: study of the language of the other side; information technology in schools; possible student exchanges; possible joint research initiatives in areas of mutual benefit; and exchange of education information.

The student exchanges-scholarships relate to the third level sector. No role for the further education sector is envisaged.