Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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619. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if a reply will issue directly to persons (details supplied) in relation to the EEA students graduate programme; if he will clarify the concerns raised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37856/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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The Third Level Graduate Scheme was first introduced in April 2007 and has been revised by the immigration authorities from time to time, most recently in May 2017. The Scheme is intended to assist legally resident Irish educated non-EEA graduates, holding an award from a recognised Irish awarding body, to remain in Ireland after they have completed their studies. The Scheme provides an opportunity for such graduates to transition to an immigration permission based on an employment or critical skills employment permit or research hosting agreement.

Extensive guidance () on the qualifying criteria are detailed on the website of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service. Some of the key feature of the Scheme include the following::

- It will be open to those who have been notified on or after 1 January 2017 by the awarding institution that they have achieved the relevant award and will be expected to present suitable evidence to this effect.

- They must not have exceeded the seven year limit on holding a student immigration permission (subject to the exception for persons presenting an award at level 9 or above of the National Framework of Qualifications).

- They must be of good character and fully compliant with Irish law during their previous residence in the State.

It is also important to stress that persons who have already benefitted from the Third Level Graduate Scheme will only be permitted to access the revised Scheme in very limited circumstances by presenting a new qualification that they had not previously relied on for this purpose. The Immigration Service, in common with any Government service, will from time to time introduce or change schemes in line with the Government's strategic priorities. In such circumstances it is not unreasonable that beneficiaries expectations should be limited to the conditions of the scheme at the point at which they originally qualified.

Finally, a direct reply will issue from my Department to the person concerned dealing with their particular case and all the issues raised.