PRESS RELEASE: Irish Council for International Students welcomes appointment of Minister for Higher Education

For Immediate Release

PRESS RELEASE: Irish Council for International Students welcomes appointment of Minister for Higher Education

The Irish Council for International Students (ICOS) has welcomed today’s announcement that a senior Minister for Higher Education is to be created with Simon Harris to fill the role. The decision comes as a new government is formed and sees the brief, which was held at a junior minister level in the last government, promoted to the main cabinet table.

Speaking about the decision, ICOS Executive Director Sarah Lennon said,                                                                                                                      

“this is a welcome decision at a very difficult time for Higher Education, with many institutions facing precarious financial situations. It is essential that sustainable and proactive measures are taken that does not compromise the quality of the higher education system”.

Speaking on the fact that the decision also comes at a time when the international education strategy is being reviewed Ms Lennon said

“It is very timely that a senior Minister for Education is announced as the international education strategy is being reviewed. International students fees form a major part of the funding of higher education and the current pandemic has put this income in doubt. However, it is essential that international students are not seen as mere ‘cash cows’ and all of the benefits that the internationalisation of lecture theatres, class rooms and labs are recognised”

The stated aim of the last International Education Strategy (2016 – 2020) was to grow the value of the international education sector to the economy from €1.58bn per annum to €2.1bn per annum by 2020 and Ms Lennon continued

“ICOS believes that the strategy should recognise the important cultural and educational benefits of international students and also include other measures to ensure the quality of the experience for those students who choose Ireland as a study destination such as ensuring sufficient and affordable accommodation, ensuring that quality controls are in place through the International Education Mark and the introduction of hate crime legislation. We look forward to working with Minister Harris to advance all of these issues”

ENDS