Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

278. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the reason all English language schools are expected to gain ILEP listing yet Enterprise Ireland only promote schools that achieved an accreditation which closed to new members in 2012; her views on whether this is a clear anticompetitive practice; and her further views on whether Enterprise Ireland should promote all Irish-based English language schools in order to boost employment and the success of Irish business in a post-Covid-19 world. [9800/20]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Unlike the Higher Education Institutions in Ireland, where Enterprise Ireland (EI) has been given the mandate, by the Department of Education & Skills under the Education in Ireland brand to promote Ireland as a third level destination for international students, EI does not have the mandate to promote English Language Schools on a national basis yet. When the International Education Mark is introduced, EI has agreed to take on this responsibility for a defined part of the business.

Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), through its Accreditation and Co-ordination of English Language Services (ACELS) function, provides quality assurance for English language services in Ireland. ACELS manages and operates an Inspection/Recognition Scheme for ELT organisations and an Accreditation Scheme for English Language teacher training providers.

On the Education in Ireland website – www.educationinireland.com, EI does not list English language schools, but provides a link to the ACELS website which is for information purposes only.

EI has confirmed that they only list nationally accredited schools as per the Education in Ireland brand guidelines and if they were to introduce other links, the Department of Education & Skills would need to approve this change to the brand criteria. EI does have a number of English Language Schools as client companies based on their size and international focus, all these companies are eligible for supports from EI.

On the website of the Department of Justice and Equality, it is highlighted that a provider and courses are listed on the ILEP in accordance with Ireland’s student immigration policy, attendance at that college in respect of one of their listed full time courses on the ILEP is an eligible purpose for a non-EEA national coming to Ireland. The Interim List includes information on education and training programmes which meet specified criteria.

The Interim List is a reference point primarily for the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of the Department of Justice and Equality, in considering visa and residency applications from non-EEA applicants wishing to study on a full-time basis in Ireland and to avail of a concession to take up casual employment in the State with certain restrictions. The Department of Education and Skills has an advisory role in identifying appropriate criteria for the inclusion of programmes in the Interim List. The Interim List is administered by the Department of Justice and Equality.

In relation to EI promoting all Irish-based English language schools in a post-COVID-19 world, this is a matter to be considered as part of the review of the international education strategy 2016-2020 which is currently underway by the Department of Education and Skills.