Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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122. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if she has received correspondence (details supplied) highlighting difficulties for non-European Union and European Economic Area students complying with residence requirements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15716/16]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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123. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will amend her guidelines for non-European Union and European Economic Area students to facilitate them in opening accounts in credit unions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15717/16]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 122 and 123 together.

I am aware of the correspondence referred to by the Deputy. In May 2015, the Government announced a series of reforms to the student immigration system for international education. These reforms are now being implemented and my Department maintains ongoing contact with relevant stakeholders with a view to ensuring that the new standards and safeguards introduced are achieving their desired objectives, namely to support the continued growth of a high-quality international education sector and to protect genuine students, legitimate operators and Ireland’s reputation, while preventing abuse of our immigration system.

Within this context, I am aware that concerns have recently been raised by some stakeholders around the issue of compliance by non-EU/EEA students with residence requirements and guidelines concerning proof of funds. My officials are currently examining this issue and will make a recommendation to me in the near future.