English Language Training Organisations

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 September 2014

Tuesday, 30 September 2014

Questions (523)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

523. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a decision has been made to restrict eligibility for recognition under the new regulatory system for the international education sector to bodies accredited to Irish accreditation bodies only as is provided for in the policy statement published in September 2014, entitled Regulatory Reform of the International Education Sector and the Student Immigration Regime. [36931/14]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The reforms referred to by the Deputy are necessary to protect the consumer and educational interests of genuine international students, to tackle abuse of the labour market and the immigration regime and to safeguard the strong international reputation of high-quality Irish education providers. The Policy Statement launched by the Minister for Justice and Equality and I on 2 September provides further detail on this issue and can be accessed on the Department's website at the following link: http://www.education.ie/en/Publications/Policy-Reports/Regulatory-Reform-of-the-International-Education-Sector-and-the-Student-Immigration-Regime.pdf.