Politician(s) lobbied: Cormac Devlin (TD), Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas; Micheál Martin (Taoiseach), Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas; James Lawless (Minister), Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
Intent: That the 20-hour work concession be preserved; that ISD enforce ILEP rules consistently against non-compliant providers; and that DFHERIS and ISD coordinate to accelerate TrustEd rollout so that study visa processing delays are resolved without penalising schools that are already operating to the required standard.
Methods: Event / ReceptionEmail
Details by Method
Event / Reception
Fianna Fail Breakfast Meeting in Dun Laoghaire on 29th April. Briefing of Fianna Fáil members on the English Language Education sector — the regulatory framework for Stamp 2 students, the sector's economic contribution (€1.46bn annually), EEI's compliance role under ILEP, and EEI's policy position on the work concession, TrustEd implementation and the LPF.
Email
Written Communication to Minister for Further and Higher Education re ILEP Enforcement on 18th February 2026. Comms: Enforcement of International Language Education Providers (ILEP) rules against non-compliant providers. Non-compliant schools undermine sector integrity, distort the policy debate on Stamp 2 immigration, and disadvantage accredited EEI member schools who meet all regulatory requirements.
Politician(s) lobbied: Robert Lahiff (Special Advisor), Department of Justice; Colm Brophy (Minister of State), Department of Justice; Jim O'Callaghan (Minister), Department of Justice; Cian O'Callaghan (TD), Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas; Cormac Devlin (TD), Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas; Micheál Martin (Taoiseach), Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas
Intent: That the 20-hour work concession be preserved; that ISD enforce ILEP rules consistently against non-compliant providers; and that DFHERIS and ISD coordinate to accelerate TrustEd rollout so that study visa processing delays are resolved without penalising schools that are already operating to the required standard.
Methods: Event / ReceptionMeetingEmail
Details by Method
Event / Reception
Fianna Fail Breakfast Meeting in Dun Laoghaire on 29th April. Briefing of Fianna Fáil members on the English Language Education sector — the regulatory framework for Stamp 2 students, the sector's economic contribution (€1.46bn annually), EEI's compliance role under ILEP, and EEI's policy position on the work concession, TrustEd implementation and the LPF.
Meeting
Met with Cian O'Callaghan TD at Social Democrat Dail Office, Kildare Street on 5th March. We discussed policy on non-EU international students in Ireland, including the Stamp 2 visa framework, the 20-hour work concession, and ILEP compliance by providers. Furthermore we discussed the urgency around implementation of TrustED Ireland regulatory framework.
Email
Written Communication to Minister Brophy re Russian Young Learner Visas. The effective cessation of study visa approvals for Russian national young learners seeking to attend English Language Education programmes in Ireland. EEI submitted a briefing note setting out the economic impact of this policy position on member schools operating junior programmes, and the broader implications for Ireland's position as an international study destination for this cohort.
Email
Written Communication to Minister for Justice re ILEP Enforcement on 18th February 2026. Comms: Enforcement of International Language Education Providers (ILEP) rules against non-compliant providers. Non-compliant schools undermine sector integrity, distort the policy debate on Stamp 2 immigration, and disadvantage accredited EEI member schools who meet all regulatory requirements.
Politician(s) lobbied: Shane Moynihan (TD), Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas; Darren O'Rourke (TD), Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas
Intent: To seek clarity and consideration regarding eligibility criteria for student travel concessions, and to highlight the practical and affordability implications for international English language students
Methods: Meeting
Details by Method
Meeting
English Education Ireland engaged in correspondence and discussions with relevant public officials to outline concerns regarding access to student travel concessions for international English language students and the impact on Ireland’s attractiveness as a study destination.Darren O'Rourke TD and Shane Moynihan TD subsequently raised parliamentary questions on the matter. Which in turn were addressed by the NTA.
Politician(s) lobbied: Brendan Smith (TD), Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas; Erin McGreehan (TD), Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas; John Lahart (TD), Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas; Harry McCann (Special Adviser), Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science; Keith Moynes (Assistant Secretary), Department of Further and Higher Education, Innovation and Science; Shane Moynihan (TD), Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas; Shay Brennan (TD), Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas; Donna McGettigan (TD), Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas; Darren O'Rourke (TD), Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas
Intent: To inform policymakers of the economic, educational and reputational impact of policy decisions affecting the English Language Education sector; to seek constructive engagement and consultation with the sector on proposed policy changes; and to advocate for proportionate, evidence-based approaches that support Ireland’s position as a welcoming destination for international students.
Methods: Meeting
Details by Method
Meeting
Meetings focused on:Changes to immigration and financial requirements for international students and the implications for the English Language Education sectorThe implementation, governance and cost structure of the TrustEd Ireland accreditation schemeThe economic contribution of English Language Education to Ireland, including regional employment and tourism benefitsThe importance of consultation with the sector in the development of international education and immigration policy
Politician(s) lobbied: Shay Brennan (TD), Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas; Donna McGettigan (TD), Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas; Darren O'Rourke (TD), Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas; John Lahart (TD), Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas; Shane Moynihan (TD), Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas
Intent: Ensure that all international students, including English Language Students, are eligible for the student leap card. The NTA have changed their eligibility criteria recently to exclude ELE students. ::Establish stakeholder engagement mechanism for the sector. The ELE sector felt excluded from the process, which resulted in a change of policy regarding visa-requiring students. The financial requirements for these students increased in June 2025. The policy was announced in late April without consultation with International Education bodies. ::Opportunity to present to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Further and Higher Education.
Methods: Meeting
Details by Method
Meeting
We met TDs listed below to provide an overall sector update and to discuss the objectives as set out in this submission. All meetings took place at Leinster House. 9th September - Shay Brennan TD18th September - Donna McGettigan TD and Darren O'Rourke TD18th September - Shane Moynihan TD30th September - John Lahart TD
Politician(s) lobbied: Maeve O'Connell (TD), Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas
Intent: Provide sector updates to TDs and Senators, with particular focus on joint oireachtas commitee on further and higher education. Goal is to provider elected officials with information on the ELE sector - economic impact, business challenges, including change in immigration policy and increased costs of industry regulation.
Methods: Meeting
Details by Method
Meeting
Met with Maeve O'Connell TD to discuss the ELE sector and opportunities to present to the oireachtas committee on further and higher education
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