Employment

Graduate Employment Scheme

December 2010

"The extension of the Graduate Employment Scheme from 6 months to 12 months for graduates at Level 8 and above is very welcome. ICOS accepts that the scheme should be available on a one-off basis only but is dismayed that students who avail of the scheme are then precluded
from re-entering the education system. The rationale for this decision is unclear and ICOS can see no valid reason why successful graduates of Irish HEIs should not have the opportunity after a period of work experience to progress to post graduate studies. The Graduate scheme
may be the vehicle, in fact, through which these graduates fund their further studies. ICOS would like to see a reversal of this decision such that it would be open to students who have availed of the Graduate Scheme to re-enter the education system at a higher level."

from ICOS Response to International Education Strategy and New Immigration Regime

Response on Proposed Draft Scheme on the introduction of Employment Permits for non-EEA students

April 2008

ICOS acknowledges that the Government has made a commitment in the context of the current Social Partnership Agreement, "Towards 2016" which will see the employment of non-EEA students become subject to an application for employment permits. ICOS also acknowledges the Government’s willingness to consult with stakeholders on this matter and is pleased to submit the following comments on behalf of its members. We also refer to earlier representations to the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment (DETE) and to a 2006 ICOS’ submission on the working rights of non-EEA students.

» ICOS submission on proposed draft scheme on Employment Permits for non-EEA students

Submission to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment on work permits

December 2006

This submission was made on foot of a meeting between Department officials and a delegation from ICOS on 2 November, 2006. While the DETE made it clear to ICOS that regulations providing for the introduction of work permits for non-EEA students will be introduced in 2007, the detailed arrangements have yet to be worked out. This submission is a response to DETE's invitation to ICOS to expand on some the points raised at the meeting and to suggest some ways in which the institutions could cooperate with the Department to facilitate the operation of the new scheme.

» ICOS submission to DETE on work permits for non-EEA students