Bríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)
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1041. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will clarify in relation to the draft code of practice proposed for the ELE sector; if his Department or QQI will meet with private providers in advance of implementing any proposals (details supplied); if they will clarify any areas that may require explanation; and if he will clarify issues (details supplied). [1283/23]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) (Amendment) Act 2019 contains a number of legislative provisions which are aimed at strengthening the quality framework for the provision of education to international learners in Ireland.  These provisions include the introduction of the International Education Mark (IEM), a new national quality mark designed to protect the interests of international students in Ireland and ensure a quality and consistent learning experience. The IEM is grounded on existing quality assurance infrastructures and it is enhanced by new statutory codes of practice for higher education and English language education providers.  

The codes of practice include requirements related to areas such as the capacity to implement robust quality assurance and to deliver coherent education programmes, ethical marketing and recruitment practices, transparent and accurate information provision, and academic and pastoral supports. Furthermore, higher education providers must have their awards included on the National Framework of Qualifications. English Language education providers must also comply with the new statutory English language education quality assurance guidelines, which include areas such as programme design, academic management and staff recruitment and training. 

The IEM is further underpinned by new statutory requirements for private education providers. These include compliance with due diligence requirements and an obligation to participate in a new national Learner Protection Fund which is designed to protect international students.  

In November 2022 QQI launched a comprehensive suite of IEM White Paper documents for public consultation. The documents are as follows:

- Code of Practice for Provision of Programmes of English Language Education to International Learners

- Statutory Quality Assurance Guidelines for English Language Education

- Code of Practice for Provision of Programmes of Higher Education to International Learners

- Policy on Authorisation to Use the International Education Mark

The first three documents set out requirements for higher education and English language education providers who wish to apply for authorisation to use the IEM, and the final document outlines the overall policy on IEM authorisation. All relevant stakeholders were encouraged to provide feedback on these policy documents to QQI by 16th December 2022. 

QQI has met with representative bodies of providers in both the higher education and English language education sectors and will continue to engage with all relevant stakeholders in relation to the IEM. 

The IEM specific areas referred to by the Deputy relate to the technical operation of the mark and are a matter for QQI. The provider in question should contact QQI directly to seek clarity on these matters.