Teaching English as a Foreign Language Could be Worth € 590 Million (IR 465 M) by 2006 Tom Kitt Launches Strategic Report on the Industry

Tom Kitt, Minister for International Trade said today (Thursday 26th July 2001) that the English as a Foreign Language (EFL) industry currently generates about € 343 M (IR£ 270 M) in annual overseas revenues. "This has the potential to grow to € 590 M (IR£ 465 M) by 2006 provided certain steps are taken." He said. The Minister was speaking at the launch of a strategic analysis of the industry carried out by Prospectus Strategy Consultants on behalf of Enterprise Ireland.

The analysis recommends the establishment of a steering group under the aegis of MEI-RELSA the industry representative group to oversee the increasing internationalisation of the sector.

"This strategy document marks the first step for the industry en route to achieving the vision of a truly global, fast growing export led industry. In the short to medium term there are many issues to be resolved but I have no doubt that under the leadership of MEI-RELSA the new industry steering group will be addressing these as a priority." The Minister said.

He continued: "I know too that as the industry moves forward Enterprise Ireland will be supporting it in a much more focused way. Indeed last year and this year a number of EFL enterprises participated in trade missions to such countries as China, Japan and Russia with successful outcomes. I would expect to see a greater level of such activity into the future as the industry implements a strategy to further internationalise its business." Tom Kitt said.