Vol. 550 No. 4
679 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on the potential of Dublin to be developed as an international language learning centre; the procedures to be registered as an English language school; the criteria required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8338/02]
My Department recognises English language schools which meet the criteria specified by the Advisory Council for English Language Schools, ACELS, for such recognition. I have arranged for the regulations governing such recognition together with the list of English language schools recognised by my Department to be forwarded to the Deputy.
As the Deputy will note from the list of recognised schools, there is a significant number in the greater Dublin area. In effect, Dublin is well established as a centre for learning English for junior and adult learners. As a capital city, it has good access transport from the traditional European markets such as Spain and France, and has good onward links through Britain for visitors from long-haul markets such as Latin America and China. With further improvements in international access transport and in local infrastructure, it has the scope to further develop, particularly in terms of attracting adult language learners year round.
