Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 April 2015
680. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills if her Department has a defined long-term strategy in place to improve the international reputation of the English language teaching industry here. [13952/15]
View answerThere is a well-defined national strategy in place for the provision of international education in Ireland. In September 2010 the Government launched its first international education strategy entitled 'Investing in Global Relationships: Ireland's International Education Strategy 2010-15'. Ireland's International Education Strategy represents a coherent approach to achieving a series of inter-related objectives including a more robust quality assurance process for the provision of international education and training and a strengthened student immigration regime. These measures are aimed at enhancing and promoting the reputation of international education in Ireland. A review of the International Education Strategy has been completed and work has commenced on developing a new Government Action Plan for International Education for the period 2016 to 2020.
A key pillar of this strategy is the International Education Mark (IEM) and related Code of Practice. The IEM confirms that a provider has demonstrated their capacity and commitment to provide a high-quality educational experience to international students. The Code of Practice includes requirements relating to the protection of enrolled learners, treatment of fees and tax compliance, and will also address other 'non-academic' issues such as recruitment, marketing and accommodation. Providers of English language training will have to demonstrate compliance with the Code before being authorised to use the Mark.
The Mark will be used both as a driver of quality assurance within institutions, including English language colleges, and as a marketing tool to underpin the promotional activities of Enterprise Ireland in seeking to attract international learners to Ireland. In addition, the Mark will be used for immigration purposes. From 2016 it will become a requirement that providers wishing to recruit English language students from outside the EEA have authorisation to use the Mark. English language providers authorised to use the Mark will also be subject to ongoing monitoring and review.
