Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats)
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289. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the regulatory oversight that exists in relation to private English-language schools (details supplied); whether complaints from students or staff are monitored; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17788/25]

Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats)
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290. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if his Department is aware of changes to student policies at an English-language school (details supplied) that may breach existing student contracts; the protections in place for international language students attending such institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17789/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 289 and 290 together.

I propose to take questions 17788/25 and 17789/25 together.

The English language school referred to by the Deputy is a private institution and does not come under the remit of my Department. Issues arising from contracts between students and private English language schools are a matter for the parties involved.

Education providers in Ireland wishing to recruit non-EEA students are required to be listed on the ILEP (the Interim List of Eligible Programmes – the list of education programmes considered to justify the granting of immigration permission to students to live and work in Ireland). The ILEP is managed by the Department of Justice, in association with my Department. All education providers must meet certain standards and requirements in order to obtain a listing on the ILEP.

As part of the ILEP criteria, a provider is required to have an established complaints procedure. A provider is required to document:

1. clear information describing what constitutes a complaint or grievance by a student;
2. the procedure to be followed by the provider in the event of receipt of a complaint / grievance;
3. the name and contact details of the person(s) responsible for managing this procedure;
4. the maximum duration from receipt of a complaint to resolution of the issue;
5. the means of appeal/review where claims are not resolved to the satisfaction of the student.

The ILEP was developed as an interim measure, pending the introduction by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) of TrustEd Ireland – a new International Education Mark (IEM). The TrustEd Ireland scheme is a new quality education mark and part of a suite of legislative measures, which are designed to protect international learners in Ireland. The TrustEd Irelad scheme encompasses the overall quality of education providers, including their programme offerings, their qualifications, and the services and supports that they offer to international learners.

QQI’s first application cycle for providers seeking to obtain the TrustEd Ireland Mark opened on 14th October 2024 and closed on 28th March 2025. When fully operational, the TrustEd Ireland scheme will replace the ILEP for student immigration purposes. Further information on the new TrustEd Ireland scheme is available at: www.qqi.ie/what-we-do/quality-assurance-of-education-and-training/what-is-trusted-ireland.