Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 153: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the progress on the establishment of Education Ireland, the body responsible for promoting Ireland as an international destination for education and English language schools; if there are plans to develop a strategic plan for the English as a foreign language sector in view of its worth to the economy here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4763/08]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Progress is ongoing on the implementation of the recommendations of the Report of the Internationalisation of Irish Education Services, including the establishment of Education Ireland, a new body with responsibility for promoting the development of Ireland as a centre of excellence for international education.

The Government is committed to establishing Education Ireland as soon as possible and preparations are well advanced to establish the body in the first instance as a limited company. Draft legislation is also being prepared with the intention of establishing the body on a statutory basis. I intend publishing this draft legislation during 2008. The promotion and development of the English language sector will be a key responsibility for Education Ireland, working in collaboration with the other relevant statutory agencies and providers.

Education Ireland will prepare, and submit to me, strategic plans for the development of international education services, including the English language sector. They will also have the critical responsibility of regulating and quality-assuring international education services, including the English language sector.