Written answers

Wednesday, 6 June 2012

Department of Justice, Equality and Defence

Non-EEA Student Statistics

10:00 pm

Photo of Kevin HumphreysKevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 677: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of applications and renewals that were granted for each of the past ten years to non-EEA applicants who sought permission to study and work here under the degree students programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26754/12]

Photo of Kevin HumphreysKevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 678: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of applications and renewals that were granted for each of the past ten years for non-EEA applicants who sought permission to study and work here under the language and non-degree programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26755/12]

Photo of Alan ShatterAlan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 677 and 678 together.

Statistics on non-EEA student registration are available from 2006. The total number of registrations on student immigration permission was 32,876 in 2006; 39,720 in 2007; 44,942 in 2008; 45,518 in 2009; 45,460 in 2010; and 46,509 in 2011. It should be noted that these figures cover both existing permissions carried over from the previous year. Students on visits of less than 90 days, however, are not included as such persons are not required to register.

At present, it is not possible to accurately differentiate between the different education sectors and levels. The Deputy will be aware that the new immigration regime for full-time non-EEA students was introduced in January 2011 and that before this date, the Internationalisation Register of courses was not categorised into Degree courses and Language or Non-Degree Courses.

However, an analysis of the student records carried out in March 2012 provides a breakdown of non-EEA students with reference to the type of course students are registered as attending. Approximately 28% of students are undertaking English language courses, 20% non-degree programmes; and 40% degree programmes. The remaining 11% includes students at secondary level, students on Graduate Schemes and those on Timed Out student permission.

Photo of Kevin HumphreysKevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 679: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality in each of the past ten years, the number of students under the language and non-degree student and the degree student programmes who have been found to be working more than the permitted hours per week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26759/12]

Photo of Alan ShatterAlan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The information sought by the Deputy is not available in my Department.

Since 2001, Non-EEA students who are permitted to reside in the State on a stamp 2 have been allowed to avail of a work concession. Under this concession a student may work in Ireland without a work permit for a maximum of 20 hours per week during academic terms and a maximum of 40 hours per week during holiday period. Any employment which exceeds these limits will be in breach of employment permits legislation. Since 2007, the National Employment Rights Authority, a body under the aegis of the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, has been responsible for securing compliance with employment rights law.

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