Mairéad Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein)
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490. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality whether a third level student who is resident in Ireland on a stamp 3, and is required to do work placement to complete their college course, must have the right to work in Ireland generally; how they go about getting this; if he will advise on an individual case (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50364/25]

Colm Brophy (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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I can inform the Deputy that any non-EEA national student who is enrolled on a course or a Degree Programme from the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP) is allowed to undertake an internship. However, this must form part of their course and contribute towards the final award.

For those studying on a Stamp 3 immigration permission, an internship, once forming part of the course and contributing to the final course award, would be regarded as part of their studies and not considered employment.

Similarly, for those studying on Stamp 2 immigration permission, an internship, where it is integral to a programme and regarded as part of their studies, would not be categorised as other employment and therefore does not affect the terms of the Stamp 2 permission.

Colleges and educational institutions should provide a letter of confirmation to the student and their employer to show that the internship is part of a particular programme, which is listed on the ILEP. The working hours and conditions while participating in the internship must be in accordance with employment law provisions.

It is also open to any person to apply for a change of immigration status if they meet the criteria for doing so. Detailed information on how to change an immigration status is available on the Immigration Service website at www.irishimmigration.ie/registering-your-immigration-permission/changing-your-immigration-permission/