Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 661: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount given by him to Fáilte Ireland over the past five years to encourage international students to study here; the markets that were targeted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15030/11]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Fáilte Ireland is only responsible for strategic development and promotion of the English-language education sector, supported by Tourism Ireland through its offices overseas. Enterprise Ireland, which falls under the aegis of the Department of Enterprise, Jobs and Innovation, has the lead role in the development, promotion and marketing of international higher education generally. The allocation of funding by Fáilte Ireland for the development of particular product niches is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland. I have referred the Deputy's Question to the agency for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

The work of the agencies in promoting international education is complemented by the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland, which falls under the aegis of the Department of Education and Skills, and has responsibility for quality assurance, including for English-language programmes.

I understand that, in that capacity, some funding was also provided from the Department of Education and Skills last year to Fáilte Ireland for the development of curricular material for the English-language sector.