Ms Tanya Kenny:

Regarding the protection of the learners when they enroll in particular courses, there are statutory provisions which are regulated by QQI, which we heard from earlier today. These are the protection of enrolled learners' provisions. They provide a statutory obligation to protect learners who are affected by any cessation or non-commencement of a programme. That is usually fulfilled either through academic bonding or financial bonding, so that they would be facilitated on another course or through a financial refund. There are legal provisions to protect learners in that way.

Regarding access and the recognition of prior learning, we are aware that, as part of the accreditation and approval process with our colleagues in CORU, a provider must set out in detail its admission procedures, which would include what is entailed by recognition of prior learning. That can include informal learning, formal learning and previous life experiences. The provider would then give clarity on what the requirements are.