Neasa Hourigan (Dublin Central, Green Party)
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472. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to extend the number of hours per week that non-EEA students holding Stamp 2 visas are permitted to work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36068/24]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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My Department has responsibility for immigration-related matters, including the entry and residence conditions of non-EEA students. My Department engages with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, among other key sectorial stakeholders, in this area.

A Stamp 2 immigration residence permission indicates permission to study a full time course of education on the official Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP) for a specified period, subject to conditions.

The primary purpose of the Stamp 2 is to provide opportunities for study in Ireland. All applicants must show that they have sufficient funds to support their stay in Ireland without recourse to public funds, or the reliance on casual employment. Stamp 2 holders may, however, engage in casual employment for a maximum of 20 hours per week during school term and 40 hours per week during holidays.

While the conditions attached to all immigration permissions are kept under ongoing review by my Department with all relevant stakeholders, there are no plans to revise the current arrangements.