Education Schemes
Dail Éireann — 2026-05-12
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James Lawless (FF), Kildare North

I very much take the Deputy's points on board. He is right about the contribution to the economy that arises from having the student inflow here as well as the visiting families and so forth. When I was growing up, my own house was home to many visiting students of many nationalities on different courses. It also provides for a richer rounder experience for the host families and the students. Earlier we were talking about the age of AI, digital skills, skills gaps and some of the automated tasks being carried out now. A student who has travelled, experienced other cultures, and acquired language and communication skills will be much more resilient in the face of AI and changing digital transformation and the new world we are entering into. I agree with the Deputy that it is an extremely important progression. I will absolutely be keeping a watchful eye on that, as Ireland assumes the Presidency of that Council, to ensure the budget is maximised for Irish students.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-05-12/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-27T06:54:49+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-05-12