English language schools in Ireland have been told by the government that they must deliver full-time in-person classes by October 12 in order to meet the needs of students already in the country.

English language school associations have responded to a letter from the Irish government recommending that they stop recruiting international students until 2021 because of “substantial concerns” around safety.

The numbers of students coming to English language schools in Ireland could drop by 120,000 this year as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, MEI has warned.

MEI has warned that there is "real danger" of the country's ELT industry with an estimated value of around €880m for the economy being wiped out.

ICOS has welcomed the appointment of a minister for HE but noted that the new Program for Government offers a "mixed-bag" – with the absence of an International Education Mark a particular concern.

Ireland's Department of Justice and Equality is extending its online immigration platform for non-EEA students in Dublin.

Educational leaders are not exempt from these pressures and are leading in extraordinary times

The Irish Universities Association has called for a €20 million international student recruitment advertising campaign as a matter of urgency from the next government.