Ireland to become a “global leader” in education
A MAJOR new strategy, aimed at increasing Ireland’s share of international students, has been launched by the Taoiseach Brian Cowen.
The Education Department estimates that almost €900 million is currently earned annually by Ireland providing education for students from abroad.
Under this new strategy, the Government intends to increase that by €300 million to €1.2 billion by 2015.
The 5 year programme, entitled ‘Investing in Global Relationships’ was unveiled this lunchtime by the Taoiseach as well as the Tánaiste and Education Minister Mary Coughlan and the Justice Minister Dermot Ahern.
The central aim of the plan is to increase by 50%, the numbers of foreign students availing of third level education here, and increase by 25% the numbers of students learning English in Ireland. (See further targets below)