Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent)
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329. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will grant stamp 2 residency permits for the entire length of international students' courses and expand the student assistance fund to include international students, to address the significant financial burdens they face, as requested by an organisation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37926/24]

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-EU/EEA/UK/Swiss nationals wishing to pursue a course of education in the State.

Such students, subject to certain conditions, are granted a Stamp 2 immigration permission typically for 1 year but can vary depending on the nature and length of the course. Such permission may be renewed provided the student is enrolled in an approved course and has achieved the necessary progression.

All applicants for permission to study in Ireland must show that they have sufficient funds to support their stay in Ireland without recourse to public funds.

Since April 2001, non- EU/EEA/UK/Swiss students with a Stamp 2 immigration permission, and who are enrolled on courses with education providers listed on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP), including English language courses, have been afforded the opportunity to work during their stay. They may take up casual employment to supplement their income while studying in Ireland. During term time, non- EU/EEA/UK/Swiss students can work up to 20 hours per week and, during normal college holiday periods they can work on a full time basis up to 40 hours per week.

The Student Assistance Fund is operated by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) with the participation of universities and colleges. It does not come under the responsibility of my Department. However, I am informed by the Department of Higher and Further Education, Research, Innovation and Science that international students are required to demonstrate financial capacity to support themselves while undertaking study.

International/non-EU fee paying students, who pay the full international rate of fee, are not eligible for funding under the Student Assistance Fund. The Department of Higher and Further Education, Research, Innovation and Science advises Higher Education institutions to ring-fence funding from international/non-EU fee income to provide for any emergency financial requirement arising for this cohort of students.

The Deputy may wish to contact that Department directly for further information in regard to the Student Assistance Fund.