Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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ACELS (Accreditation and Co-ordination of English Language Services) is a voluntary scheme currently operated by Quality & Qualifications Ireland which grants recognition to English language teaching (ELT) organisations annually.

There are currently 91 ELT organisations nationally holding 2014 ACELS recognition. These include sole English language teaching organisations operating year round, some of which may also operate additional seasonal centres, seasonal summer school providers (for the junior market) and education providers with ELT sections – typically further education and higher education award providers with English language programmes for international students.

Currently, ACELS is closed for new applications as it is due to be replaced from early 2015, when the International Education Mark (IEM) is to be introduced for this sector by QQI in accordance with Part 5 of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012.

The ACELS application process is in two stages and is supported by an Application Guide and form available on the ACELS website (www.acels.ie):Stage 1 involves a desk-based review of required documentation regarding the viability and status of the applicant, e.g., company ownership, tax compliance, followed by a desk-based review of the required curriculum documentation. The review report either (a) has no issues outstanding and is referred to the Recognition Committee for a decision to move on to Stage 2; (b) has issues outstanding and is sent to the provider for their response. A provider may be refused at this if a second response still has not adequately addressed the outstanding issues.

Stage 2 involves a site visit is organised with the mutual agreement of the provider and ACELS. A Stage 2 report either (a) has issues outstanding and is sent to the provider for a response; (b) has no outstanding issues and the provider is referred to the Recognition Committee with a recommendation to grant recognition. In the case of (a), this may bring about a further site visit inspection. If the result is still unsatisfactory, the application is refused. In this case, there is an appeal process in place which is notified to the provider with the refusal.

There is an annual cycle of application for renewal of recognition, and a 3-year cycle of re-inspection/review. The 3-year cycle inspections are not currently being applied due to development of the IEM. ELT organisations are re-inspected in the case of new additional centres or changes of ownership, management or premises. Where issues of non-compliance are identified, ACELS recognition is withdrawn from the ELT organisation on the decision of the Recognition Committee. There are 28 non-ACELS recognised ELT providers listed on the internationalisation register for immigration purposes offering other ELT awards, mainly UK aligned. There may also be other non-ACELS ELT organisations operating nationally which are not on the internationalisation register. Typically, these are regional seasonal operators offering junior courses, who have relationships with other EU schools/agents and don't see a need to gain ACELS recognition.