Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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1347. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she has considered waiving mandatory in-person attendance of stamp two visa students including English language teachers until September 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39579/21]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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My Department has responsibility for immigration-related matters, including the entry and residence conditions of non-EEA students. The re-opening of English language schools and in-person attendance is a matter for the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS).

DFHERIS has advised that, subject to the implementation of sector prepared reopening protocols and adherence to public health guidelines, in-person activity may begin to resume from 19 July 2021, where it is safe to do so. This applies to the existing cohort of ELE students currently in the State and DFHERIS further advises that there is no basis for the recruitment of new international students that may seek to travel to the State at this time.

In line with the policy direction from DFHERIS, providers may opt to remain closed, to provide blended learning or to continue operating wholly online.

Both prior to and during the pandemic to date, ELE students in Ireland with a Stamp 2 immigration permission are required to attend at least 85% of their classes for the duration of their programme. For those students currently in the State, this can be achieved by attending in-person, online or both, subject to the method of delivery of these classes. Providers have been informed that the resumption of in-person activity should be taken in consultation with their staff and students.

Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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1348. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she has considered introducing an extension for all stamp two persons affected by the pandemic and a pathway back to regular status through enrolment in an ELE course from 20 September 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39580/21]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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My Department recognises the difficulties that Covid-19 has had on everyone in the country, including our international student population. From the outset of the pandemic, we have worked to provide assistance and assurance to people who use our immigration services.

Since the pandemic was declared in March 2020, immigration permissions have been extended, on seven occasions, most recently until 20 September 2021. These extensions of permissions also cover English language students who have already availed of the maximum three permissions (three permissions of 8 months each), allowing them to renew for a fourth permission until 20 September 2021.

Students must enrol on a 25-week programme as soon as their third permission expires and register that permission. This currently will allow them to remain in the State until 20 September 2021, however, each case will be assessed on its individual merits and a pragmatic approach will be adopted.

Students applying for a second or third permission may renew for up 8 months provided they enrol in a 25-week English language programme.

Any further general extension of permission will be considered in light of NPHET and Government public health advice at the appropriate time.