A major agreement on education co-operation between China and Ireland was signed by the Minister for Education, Dr Woods, and his Chinese counterpart, Madam Chen Zhili, in Beijing yesterday.
About 10,000 Chinese students applied for visas to study in Ireland last year, compared to 1,000 in 1997.
The accord will pave the way for talks on mutual recognition of degrees and qualifications. The agreement covers a number of important areas, including student exchange, joint research initiatives, language studies and exchange of information.
The Minister said joint research projects would be very important for both countries. Areas where it is hoped to co-operate on research are computer software development, information technology, biotechnology and environmental protection.
The constant exchange of information, in particular on education reform, would also be invaluable for the development of special needs education in Ireland, he said.
Mr Woods told The Irish Times he was anxious for information exchange in this area, in particular the education of autistic children.
He visited the Beijing Haidian Intelligence Fostering School for special-needs children and said he was very impressed with the techniques employed. The school uses music and arts to communicate with autistic children.
"I think there is a lot we can learn from the Chinese in this area," he added.
The mutual recognition of degrees and other qualifications between both countries will mean that doctors, for example, who qualify in China will have their degree recognised in Ireland and visa versa.
This is the first full education agreement between Ireland and China, and its implementation over the next several months will be the result of ongoing contact between the Chinese education authorities and the Irish Embassy in Beijing under the Ambassador, Mr Declan Connolly.