Seán Kenny (Dublin North East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 172: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the steps being taken in the US and UK to increase the number of students coming to Ireland to study; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33311/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The USA is a priority market for the promotion of international education. I myself visited Chicago in July to address a gathering of over 100 US universities at the National Association of Fellowship Advisors to highlight Ireland as a centre for international study. The UK is not a priority market for recruitment of international students, and no promotional activities are planned in that market.

The Education in Ireland US market plan 2011-2012, which is being implemented by Enterprise Ireland, outlines a cohesive, multi-pronged approach which is aimed at firmly establishing Ireland on the radar of American students (and their advisors) who are considering international study.

Among the actions being carried out under the US plan are: recruitment roadshows (held twice a year); online college fairs; participation in US international education week events; annual tours to Ireland by US high school counsellors; attendance of Irish higher education institutions at major international education conferences; targeted advertising and promotion, particularly on social networks including the roll out of a US-specific website in 2012; the development of a US student ambassador programme as well as a number of institutional-level supports to enhance the effectiveness of our efforts.

The George Mitchell Scholarship Programme, which is managed by the US-Ireland Alliance, and for which my Department has provided funding, also continues to be a major contribution to the development of the Irish educational profile within the US market.