Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 13 May 1997

Vol. 479 No. 2

Written Answers. - Insurance Bonding Scheme.

Michael Creed

Question:

216 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Education the steps, if any, she proposes to take to ensure that private colleges in the third-level sector are participating in an insurance bonding scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12740/97]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

In relation to the regulation of private third level colleges, the White Paper, Charting our Education Future, provides that such colleges, which run courses which receive State certification, will be subject to new control regulations. These regulations will be introduced in order to guarantee the academic integrity and quality of the courses and qualifications on offer, prescribe institutional norms and to protect the financial investments of students and their parents. The White Paper provides that the new regulations will be the responsibility of TEASTAS — the Irish National Certification Authority.

Considerable progress has been made in the area of formulating educational standards in private colleges. Under the provisions of the 1995 Finance Act, tax relief is available for fees paid to private colleges which satisfy the Codes of Standards laid down by the Minister for Education. These Codes of Standards were developed by a working group on third level private commercial colleges which I established to advise on the appropriate criteria for recognition of colleges and courses including admission and quality standards.

The working group was representative of TEASTAS, my Department, the NCEA and the Department of Enterprise and Employment.

The working group was also asked to consider the question of academic and financial bonding and consumer protection. Following careful evaluation of the advice available to it in relation to possible provisions for academic and financial bonding and consumer protection, the working group concluded that such provisions should not be included in the Codes of Standards but should be addressed by my Department in association with TEASTAS and the NCEA and in discussion with the private colleges. My Department is currently engaged in discussions with the relevant parties in this regard.