Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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171. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the child protection standards in place in the English language school sector which uses host family accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53710/13]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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While the English language school sector is not formally regulated, English Language Teaching Organisations (ELTOs) may seek recognition from ACELS, which is operated by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI). The ACELS recognition standards specify that all English Language Teaching junior centres, that is centres which cater for minors, should seek Garda clearance for all staff and host families.

Under the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act, 2012, QQI is responsible for the introduction of a Code of Practice for the education of international learners, and related International Education Mark. When introduced, these will replace the current ACELS regime. QQI intends to develop the Code of Practice, in consultation with stakeholders, in the first half of next year. Issues relating to child protection will be considered fully in that context. Providers will then have to demonstrate compliance with the Code of Practice in order to be granted authorisation to use the International Education Mark.