Joan Burton
Question:215. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of inspections ACELS-QQI carry out annually on members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3019/17]
View answerTuesday, 24 January 2017
Questions (215)
Written answers
ACELS (the Accreditation and Coordination of English Language Services) is a voluntary national scheme responsible for the recognition and inspection of English language schools. It is administered by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI). ACELS has been closed for new applications since January 2014, and it continues to operate on a voluntary, contractual basis for existing members.
Under the terms of the current regulations governing the operation of this scheme inspections of ACELS recognised English language schools take place when:
1. There is a change of ownership of the English language school
2. A new general or academic manager(s) is appointed
3. There is a change of premises, or an additional premises is added to the school
4. There is a complaint against the school.
Therefore the number of inspections per annum is contingent on the number of incidents of the above. 11 inspections were conducted by ACELS in 2014; 35 inspections were conducted in 2015 and 28 inspections were conducted in 2016.